February - Texas Music Events Calendar 2009

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The 2009 TMEC lists more than 500 annual events featuring live music. To update listing information for your 2009 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[at]governor.state.tx.us | Request Info | Texas music event application

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.

INTIX Annual Conference & Exhibition
February 3-6
Hilton Americas Hotel; Houston
INTIX
Laura Shwed-Fant
Houston, TX 77010
(212) 629-4036
Activities: Job Fair
INTIX will hold its first annual Job Fair providing a professional environment for individuals looking to explore employment and internship opportunities with employers with open positions. The Job Fair is also designed for students in relevant college programs who are looking for internships to get started in their careers or to meet degree requirements. The Job Fair is scheduled for Thursday, February 1, 2007 from 3-6pm at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, Texas, and is held in conjunction with the Association’s 28th Annual Conference and Exhibition and is free of charge to all conference attendees, INTIX members, and students with appropriate ID. To register a company or organization for a recruiting table, contact Laura Shwed-Fant at lshwed[at]intix[dot]org. No prior sign-up is required for job candidates.

Entertainment Series of Irving
February 3, April 2
Irving Arts Center; 3333 North MacArthur, Irving, TX
Entertainment Series of Irving
P.O. Box 154336; Irving, TX 75015-4336
(972) 252-3838
Music: Big Band, Classical
Activities: Concert season
The Entertainment Series of Irving continues its 54th season with Freddy Cole in concert on February 3 and Piannafiddle on April 12. 2008-2009 concerts include: Rachael Price, Pavlo, Freddy Cole and Pianafiddle.

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
February 5-22
AT&T Center/Freeman Coliseum Grounds; 3201 East Houston/One AT&T Center Parkway
San Antonio Livestock Expo., Inc.
R. Keith Martin, Executive Director and CEO
P.O. Box 200230; San Antonio, TX 78220-0230
(210) 225-5851; Fax (210) 227-7934
Music: Children's, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Regional Mexican, Rock
Activities: Concert season, County fair, Music festival, Rodeo, Street dance
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo showcases the music industry's most outstanding Latin, country and contemporary artists in appearances held during the 21 rodeo performances. Named four times the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo features post-rodeo entertainment: Pat Green, Gary Allan, Alan Jackson, Push Play, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Switchfoot, Stars of Texas acoustic showcase featuring Wade Bowen, Cory Morrow, Radney Foster and Brandon Rhyder, Goo Goo Dolls, Lady Antebellum, Billy Ray Cyrus, Luke Bryan, Latin group Duelo, Brooks and Dunn, Josh Turner, former Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker, Jack Ingram, Jason Aldean, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Montgomery Gentry.

Joe Pat Hennen's Campfire at the Gage Hotel - 6th Annual
February 6-7
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 Seventh 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 the 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 2009 Campfire at the Gage Hotel will be guest singer/songwriters Owen Temple on Febuary 6th and from Taos, New Mexico Michael Hearne and South by Southwest on Febuary 7th. Escape Febuary 6th and 7th to the Texas Big Bend where you can "hear and feel the quiet." It will be a great weekend!

Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Show
February 7
Port Arthur Civic Center; 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur
Triangle Concert Productions
Don Ball
3901 Highway 73, No. 1712; Port Arthur, TX 77642-4177
(409) 548-4444; (800) 235-7822; Fax (409) 722-2255
Music: Blues, R&B, Rock
Activities: Awards show, Music festival
The 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Music Show (Formerly the Janis Joplin Birthday Bash) features The Fabulous Boogie Kings, Amby Martin as Janis Joplin, Eazy, and the Beat Daddys. The concert runs from 7 P.M. to 12 midnight, and all bands will be performing blues rock.

Ennis Czech Music Festival
February 7
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 Czech & Then Some at 2:00, Ennis Czech Boys at 4:00, Jak Se Do at 6:00, Czech Harvesters at 8:00, and Jodie Mikula Orchestra at 10:00 pm. 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.

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition
February 8-March 7
Reliant Center; One Reliant Park Houston, TX 77054
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Gigi Wark
P.O. Box 20070; Houston, TX 77225-0070
(832) 667-1000
In its sixth year as a premier attraction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, wines from across Texas, the United States and throughout the world will be presented medals by our wine experts. The Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition will be held on February 8, 2009 at the Reliant Center where you can sample award-winning wines and enjoy "signature bites" from Houston-area top chefs. The Wine Auction and Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2009 where you can enjoy champion wines with a seated dinner to begin the evening of bidding for the award-winning wines from the International Wine Competition.

Houston Brazilian Carnaval 2
February 10
Bar Rio; 6400 Richmond Avenue, Houston
Next Brazilian Productions
Lydia Pinto
9851 Meadowglen Lane, No. 1507; Houston, TX 77942
(832) 343-5295
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Brazilian Style Carnaval" with the dynamic rhythms and non-stop entertainment at the Planeta Bar-Rio on Friday, February 10, 2009 from 9:00pm to 2:00 AM. 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, Comprised of a diverse team of talented dancers, this local ensemble displays sheer energy and passion. Costumes are welcome! Brazilian Carnaval 2009 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.

Texas Music Educators Association Annual Convention
February 11-14
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.

Mardi Gras on the Sabine Festival
February 13-14
Downtown Orange; City Boat Ramp on Simmons Drive
Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce
Steve Jones, Festival Chairman
1012 Green Avenue; Orange, TX 77630
(409) 883-3536; (409) 883-3536; Fax (409) 886-3247
Music: Cajun, Christian, Country
Activities: Awards show, Singing contests, Street dance
The Mardi Gras on the Sabine Festival in Historic Orange offers great food, spirited gumbo and Red Bean competition, live entertainment, dancing, a carnival, children's games, and the Krewe of Krewe's Grande Mardi Gras Parade. Vendor Food and Art & Crafts Booths are also a part of this major ethnic festival. Live music provided by Gary Helms and Texas Black Gold, Friday Feburary 13, 2009. Steve Richie and the mamu Playboys, Saturday Feburary 14, 2009

Hug-In
February 13-15
Luckenbach Dance Hall; 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg
Luckenbach
Abbey
412 Luckenbach Town Loop; Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-3224; (888) 311-8990; Fax (830) 997-1024
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic
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 musicians. More details to follow! Time for event are subject to change!

Mardi Gras Galveston
February 13 -24
Strand Entertainment Area; downtown Galveston
The Park Board of Trustees of the City of Galveston
Lou Muller, Executive Director
2504 Church Street, Suite 200; Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 797-5000; (888) 425-4753; Fax (409) 762-8911
Music: Blues, Cajun, Country, Pop, R&B, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
Don't miss the revelry at Mardi Gras! Galveston! The island comes alive with 11 extravagant parades, more than 50 galas and festive events, bead throwing, exhibits, live entertainment in local clubs, and the best Gulf Coast cuisine in the world. One of the most popular annual events to take place in Texas, the event is rich with laughter, celebration and people watching. There is something for everyone including a beachfront carnival, shopping, and nightlife featuring everything from Cajun and salsa to jazz and rock and roll. Returning this year - the incredible Philadelphia Mummers who take to the streets in colorful costume to entertain young and old. Rich in history, Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrates its 97th event since its inception in 1867. See where it all began at the Mardi Gras Museum located in the Historic Strand District. Make your mark in history - attend Mardi Gras! Galveston 2008! Twelve days of fun and entertainment! Beginning on January 25 and it's not over until the Fat Lady sings! Fat Tuesday, February 5. More than 250,000 people attend Mardi Gras! Galveston each year to experience the party of a lifetime. Join us for the party of the year. Call now to reserve your accommodations at one of the Island's quality hotels or inns and plan to have the time of your life! A memorable event on a romantic island! Mardi Gras! Galveston.

International Concerto Competition
February 13-15
Del Mar College; Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi International Competition for Piano & Strings, Inc.
Beverly Ann Randolph, Competition Co-President
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 39th International Concerto Competition in February 2009. For 39 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.

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.

Huston-Tillotson University Blues and Jazz Concert 2
February 15
Doris Miller Auditorium, ; 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin
Huston-Tillotson University Alumni Association, Austin Chapter
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 the University's goal of providing a quality education for students and enhancing the fledgling instrumental music program for those interested in jazz. The concert is a fundraiser for the University. Musicians donate their time to support the concert. Music will include blues, jazz, big band and more. The Huston-Tillotson Jazz Combo will be featured this year along with musicians familiar to the local community. Dr. James Polk, an alumni of the University, will also be on hand. The concert begins at 4:00 p.m. and continues until 8:00 p.m..

SIMS Race for Rhythm
February 15
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. 15 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. Check "http://www.simsfoundation.org/ for more details.

Rio Grande Valley Music Festival
February 18-22
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds; Mercedes
George Rogers, President
218 South Ohio Street, Box 3; Mercedes, TX 78570
(956) 373-0130
Music: Bluegrass, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Tejano, mariachi
Activities: Music festival
The Rio Grande Valley Music Festival is located at 1000 North Texas. features a variety of music for 5 days on 5 stages featuring country, bluegrass, folk, gospel, mariachi, and folkloric. Gospel jam on Sunday from 9 a.m. - noon. Also featuring arts, crafts, raffles and food concessions. Gates open at 8am each day. $5 per day, per person and $3 per car. Children 12 and under free.

Sammons Jazz
February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
Sammons Center for the Arts; 3630 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas
Sammons Center for the Arts
Joanna St. Angelo
3630 Harry Hines Boulevard; Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 520-7789; Fax (214) 522-9174
Music: Jazz
Sammons Jazz is the only regular ongoing jazz performance series in the Dallas-Fort Worth area featuring local jazz artists. If you enjoy jazz, you'll probably enjoy this showcase of local jazz artists in an intimate, relaxed, non-commercial and smoke-free setting . . . and at a nominal price for the evening! Sammons Jazz performances are developed around a theme (for example, a be-bop night or a jazz vocal night) and feature two performing groups; the fall series of Sammons Jazz runs from September through December; the spring series from February through May; Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30, ending by 10:00 p.m; there is a short intermission between the two groups; and many patrons appreciate the smoke-free environment of Sammons Jazz.

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas
February 19-22
Downtown Port Arthur; Procter Street
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas, Inc.
Laura Childress
3830 Highway 365; Port Arthur, TX 77642
(318) 640-5555; (409) 721-8717; Fax (409) 721-8700
Music: Blues, Cajun, Country, Jazz, Rock
Activities: Music festival, Street dance, arts and crafts, carnival, parades, street entertainment, fireworks
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas is a traditional Mardi Gras celebration, featuring six parades that feature Philadelphia Mummers, arts and crafts, assorted foods, a children's fun zone, carnival rides, and street entertainers. Three stages feature live music with Texas country artists Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Steph Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws, Wayne Toups and Zydecajun, Mambo Kings, Eli Young Band, Lost Cause, Texas Black Gold, and Don Fontenot and Friends of Louisiana.

Renaissance Polyphony Weekend
February 20-22
University of Dallas in Irving, TX; Irving
Susan Scheib
9215 Forest Hills Blvd.; Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 327-6823
Music: Renaissance
Activities: Singing Mass
Renaissance Polyphony Weekend is a workshop for persons wishing to sing Renaissance Polyphony. Weekend concludes with performance of a Mass. As usual, the Polyphony Weekend will be held at the University of Dallas in Irving, and led by Dr. William Mahrt of Stanford University. The singer's retreat will conclude with a celebrated Latin Mass on Sunday of the scheduled weekend at Holy Trinity Seminary., Irving.

Mardi Gras Upriver
February 20-22
Downtown Jefferson
Krewe of Hebe
Robin Howard, President
P.O. Box 562; Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 240-6809
Music: Blues, Cajun, Rock
Activities: Street dance
2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of Mardi Gras Upriver. This year's theme is "Celebrating 20 years of Mardi Gras Upriver". Mardi Gras Upriver features family oriented activities and entertainment. Friday Night DooDah Parade & Street Dance, 6:45 p.m., Saturday Grand Parade 2:00 p.m., Sunday Children's Parade 2:00 p.m. Entertainment on Main Stage begins Friday at 6:00 p.m. and runs through Sunday 4:00 p.m. Saturday night's featured band is The Band of Heathens

Sahawe Indian Dancers Winter Ceremonials
February 20-21, 27-28
Uvalde Grand Opera House; 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, Buffalo Dance, Wild Game Dance and many other dances from the Southwest Pueblos. It will feature along with the dancing, music also history, folklore and costumes.

8th Annual Krewes Into Kemah Mardi Gras Celebration
February 20-22
Kemah Boardwalk
All Points Productions
Annabelle Ruch
1312 Live Oak - Suite 104; Houston, TX 77003
(832) 771-7661
The weekend starts with a happy hour at Bakkhus from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Feb. 20. 2009. Enjoy a meet and greet with the King John & Queen Betsey and Their Royal Court. Attire is Mardi Gras/Pirate festive. Cash bar & full menu available. Saturday morning Feb. 21, 2009 starts with a bang as the annual Galloway Gallop Fun Run zips through the Kemah city streets. For more info check...("http://www.thegallowayschool.org/events.php). Saturday evening, the 9th Annual Yachty Gras Parade proudly showcases decorated boats that pass by the Kemah Boardwalk while showering the appreciative crowds with beads and trinkets. Join Krewe du Lac aboard The Stargazer for the classiest party in the parade. Visit www.starfleetyachts.com for details & tickets on line. Be sure to book the Krewe du Lac party on the largest boat. $125 per person. Attire is Black Tie optional or Dressy Costume. At noon on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2008 the place to be is the Kemah Lighthouse District. Pick out a spot along the Krewe du Lac Truck parade route. If you are entering a decorated vehicle, line up is behind T Bone Tom's facing NORTH. The parade rolls at 1 pm and is followed by the festive "Mardi Pardi" at T Bone Tom's that goes until dusk. Live music, no cover, costume contests, variety entertainment, Artist Zone and Mardi Gras Market is great fun for the entire family. Full menu and cash bar available.

Victoria Jaycee Livestock Show
February 21 - March 2
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.

Mardi Gras Texas Style
February 21
the Automotive Building at Fair Park; 1010 First Avenue, Dallas, TX
KPLX-FM 99.5 The Wolf
Angelyn Hesser
3500 Maple Avenue, Suite 1600; Fort Worth, TX 75219-3906
(214) 526-2400
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival
Got Beads? It's Mardi Gras Texas Style! This year it's bigger and better than ever! Saturday February 21st 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: 16 + artists on four stages.

Mardi Gras & 8th Annual Gumbo Cookoff 2
February 21
Schroeder Dance Hall; 12516 FM 622, Goliad, TX 77963
Texas Radio 98.7
Vicky Coffman
302 Sam Houston Drive; Victoria, TX 77901-4771
(361) 573-2121; (361) 573-7002; Fax (361) 573-5872
Music: Cajun
Activities: Gumbo Cookoff
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler - Mardi Gras Is Just Around The Corner! Get ready to join Texas Radio 98.7 for the 8th Annual Mardi Gras & Gumbo Cookoff on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Schroeder Hall. Cold beer, smokin' zydeco music, and the biggest gumbo cookoff around - keep it locked into the Texas Mix for more information! Doors open at 7 p.m. Music begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m.

Charro Days Festival
February 22-March 1
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 Noe Pro on Friday and Mingo Saldivar on Saturday.

Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition
February 23
Caruth Auditorium; Southern Methodist University
Dallas Symphony Association
Kristin Carpenter, Youth Programs Coordinator
Dallas Symphony Orchestra 2301 Flora Street ; Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-4006; Fax (214) 953-1218
Music: Classical
Activities: Competition
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 2009 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 23, 2009, and who are a current resident of the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Louisiana. The final round takes place on April 25, 2009, 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 or online at www.studiodso.com.

Mardi Gras Celebration
February 24
Lake Dallas City Hall; 212 Main Street
City of Lake Dallas
Shannon Fields
P.O. Box 368; Lake Dallas, TX 75065
(940) 497-2226 X 132; (940) 230-5684; Fax (940) 497-4485
Music: Cajun, Dance, Rock, Top 40, Oldies
Activities: Music festival, Contests, Kids activities, Parade
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. New Orleans style music will be featured throughout the night.

Sombrero Festival
February 26 - 28
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.

Fiesta Edinburg
February 26-March 1
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! Saturday's headliner will be Duelo.

No Idea Festival
February 26 - 28
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.

Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
February 27-March 1
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, Michael Stevens, Joel Nelson, Jack Sammon, Doris Daley, Rod Taylor, Dave Stamey, Andy Hedges, Andy Wilkinson, Chuck Milner with Hallie and Cody, Michael and Dawn Moon with Aiden and Ruth, Jim Wilson, Karen McGuire and many more.

Worldwide Music Producers' Listen and Exchange ™ 2
February 27-28
Doubletree Hotel - Downtown Houston; 400 Dallas Street, Houston, TX, 77002-4777
Dedra's Entertainment Group
Dedra Davis, Entertainment Attorney
P.O. Box 420567; Houston, TX 77242-0567
(713) 981-3861; (713) 759-0202; Fax (713) 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. Event starts at 7 p.m., ends at 12 midnight. Opportunity to license music, work deals, visit vendors and get your music heard. Exchange business information with other attendees, meet filmmakers, meet celebrity VIP music producers, meet the 3 top winning LISTEN AND EXCHANGE™ music producers, meet record label executives, meet publishing company executives, PLUS enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, while you power network, mix, mingle and make deals.

Land of Leather Days
February 27-28
Yoakum Community Center; 105 Huck Street, Yoakum, TX 77995
Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce
Linda Machacek
P.O. Box 591; Yoakum, TX 77995
(361) 293-2309; Fax (361) 293-3507
Music: Country
Activities: Music festival, Trade show/convention, Chili Cook Off, Team roping 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 the Yoakum Community Center. This festival includes chili, bean and dessert Cook offs, arts and crafts, food vendors, games for the children and a carnival. Saturday night will be a street dance featuring the Eric Page Band.

Polka Fest
February 28
Moravian Hall; 5601 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 SouthTexas would like to welcome you to the 2009 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.

Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series
February 28, May 5, September 19
Municipal Auditorium; 2821 Washington Street
2507 Washington Street
Larry Green, Jr.
P. O. Box 765 ; Greenville, TX 75401
(903) 455-1876; (903) 457-3138; Fax (903) 455-1710
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Concert season, 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 1700 seat Municipal Auditorium in Downtown Greenville. The 1st concert of the season on February, 28 features Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, with special guest Eleven Hundred Springs. The Series began in 2003 with a concert by two great Texas songwriters, Guy Clark and Bruce Robison. Other past acts include Asleep at the Wheel, Rodney Crowell, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez, Jack Ingram, Max Stalling, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines , Junior Brown, Gary P. Nunn, Charlie Robison, Reckless Kelly, Hot Club of Cowtown, Johnny Gimble, The Derailers, Slaid Cleaves, Hayes Carll, Marty Stuart, Jim Lauderdale, Tom Russell, Fred Eaglesmith, Wayne Hancock and others. 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.

Texas Independence Day Music Festival
February 28
Sons of Hermann Hall ; 3414 Elm Street
J.& B. Productions
James Buck
P.O. Box 720251; Dallas, TX 73401
(214) 823-3966; (214) 747-4422
Music: Country, Cowboy, Rock
Activities: Music festival
The annual Texas Independence Day Music Festival will be returning to the Sons of Herrmann Hall in Deep Ellum.