March - 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

Society of Texas Entertainment Professionals Confab
March 1 - 2
Indigo Hotel; Dallas
Society of Texas Entertainment Professionals
C.W. Kendall
701 North Central Expwy., Bldg 3 Suite 200; Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 690-6099; (972) 690-6099; Fax (972) 690-6689
Activities: Trade show/convention
The Society of Texas Entertainment Professionals 2006 Confab offers educational seminars featuring discussions on insurance, ethics, the internet and the state of the Texas entertainment industry; a chance to network with industry peers; and a North Texas entertainment showcase including The Phares Corder Orchestra, JD Monson & Cactus Wine, The Project, Dan Roberts, Center Stage Band, Christopher Cannon, Lou and Ernie, Yvonne Washington, the Eclipse Band and Orchestra, Fox Mobile Music, Doppelganger, Max Class and the Class Act, and Sauce.

Texas Independence Celebration
March 1
Luckenbach; 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg
Luckenbach
Abbey
412 Luckenbach Town Loop; Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-3224 Ext. 29; (888) 311-8990; Fax (830) 997-1024
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Cowboy poetry, Music festival
Come out and join us for our Texas Independence Celebration! Festivities will start at noon and will include a Flag Retirement Ceremony, the reading of the Preamble to the Texas Constitution and live music all day long. Entertainment will be provided by Texas Favorite Brian Burns! followed by Cowboy Doug and the Fiddles of Texas. There will be lots of fun to be had but remember... No BYOB, Purdy Please! The Original Texas Star Trail Ride will join us about 1pm and we'll finish the night in the Luckenbach Dancehall w/Dusty Britches around 8pm. This dance is open to the public and there is no cover charge.

Celebrate Texas Independence Day
March 2
Austin; Congress Avenue and State Capitol
Celebrate Texas, Inc.
Ed Wilkins
3005 South Lamar Blvd., Suite 109; Austin, TX 78704-4785
(512) 288-5506; Fax (512) 462-1147
Music: Blues, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Tejano
The Texas Independence Day Celebration is in its 8th year and is sponsored in part by the city of Austin and Clear Channel Radio (KVET FM, AM, and KASE FM). Besides the public events, there are many other related activities and programs such as an art and essay contest for Texas High school, middle school, and elementary school students. Over $30,000 has been awarded in scholarships since the program began, according to Harvey Ford, president of the board. "We hope everyone will take the time to 'celebrate Texas' in their own way this year. We're a great place with a proud history," adds Ford.

Cowtown Opry Texas Independence Day Gala
March 2
Cowtown Opry; 131 East Exchange Avenue, Suite 140
Cowtown Opry
Chuck & Devon Dawson
131 East Exchange Avenue, Suite 140; Fort Worth, TX 76114
(817) 521-4969; (817) 366-9675
Music: Country, Cowboy
In observance of Texas Independence Day, Cowtown Opry presents Cheryl Rogers Barnett. An evening with the daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Dinner and Show 7 p.m.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
March 3-22
Reliant Park; 8334 Fannin
Houston Livestock Show (TM) / Rodeo Houston (TM)
Skip Wagner, President and CEO
P.O. Box 20070; Houston, TX 77225-0070
(832) 667-1000; Fax (832) 667-1134
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Children's, Country, Latin Pop, Pop, R&B, Regional Mexican, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Rodeo, Livestock show
RODEOHOUSTON is the world's largest, with superstar concerts, the richest regular-season PRCA rodeo, chuck wagon races and the world-renowned calf scramble. Performers for 2009 include Rascal Flatts (March 3), the Jonas Brothers (March 8), Brad Paisley (March 12), and Taylor Swift (March 20) The Houston Livestock Show™ is the world's largest, with everything from cattle and horses to llamas and sheep dogs. Also, there are children's exhibits, shopping and food. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501 (c)(3) charity, benefiting youth and supporting education in Texas since 1932.

Tuesday Musical Club Artist Series
March 3, April 3
Travis Park United Methodist Church and Laurel Heights United Methodist Church; 319 East Mulberry
Tuesday Musical Club Inc.
Mary W. Fleet
3755 North St. Mary's Street; San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 492-2731; (210) 344-5929
Music: Classical
Activities: Concert season
On October 23, 1923, the first of an annual series of concerts called Musical Teas, was introduced. Those Teas are now known as the Artist Series. The TMC Artist Series is one of the oldest continuous musical series sponsored by women in the United States. Members of the Artist Series Committee handle ticket sales and perform all other duties entailed in the presentation of four concerts (two happening in the spring and the other two happening in the fall) each season. The Artist Series has introduced throughout its 80 seasons such eminent artists as Isaac Stern, Sherrill Milnes, Katia and Mariella Labeque, Van Cliburn, Arcadi Volodos, Angelika Kirchschlager and Joshua Bell.

BorderFest
March 5-8
Dodge Arena; 2600 North Tenth Street, Hidalgo, Texas 78557
Borderfest Association / Chamber of Commerce
Joe Vera III, CFEE
611 East Coma; Hidalgo, TX 78557
(956) 843-2734; (956) 843-2302; Fax (956) 843-2722
Music: Big Band, Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Polka, Pop, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
BorderFest is a citywide cultural celebration which includes a parade, live entertainment, food, crafts, pageants and more. It is the oldest and largest outdoor heritage music festival in the Rio Grande Valley. The theme for Borderfest 2009 is " A Salute to Jamaica".

Fulton Oysterfest
March 5-8
Fulton Navigation Park; Fulton Beach Road
Fulton Volunteer Fire Department
Beverly Garis
P.O. Box 393; Fulton, TX 78358
(361) 463-9955; (361) 463-9955; Fax (361) 790-8362
Music: Country
Fulton Oysterfest includes men's and women's raw oyster eating contests, live music, parade on Saturday, carnival, arts and crafts booths, food booths, and more.

Out of the Loop Festival
March 5-15
Addison Theatre Centre; 15650 Addison Road, Addison
Water Tower Theatre
James Lemons
15650 Addison Road; Addison, TX 75001
(972) 450-6232; Fax (972) 450-6244
Activities: Music festival
The Out of the Loop Festival provides opportunities for existing and emerging theatre, dance and music companies and artists to present work that may vary in form and presentation from their typical content. Regional and Dallas-based artists in theatre, dance, music, comedy, puppetry, and poetry will be presented side by side throughout the festival. Festival passes, good for one admission into each event, are available by calling 972-450-6232.

Somervell County PRCA Rodeo
March 5-7
Expo Center; 202 Bo Gibbs Drive
Somervell County Horse Show and Rodeo Association
Terry Starnes, Event Coordinator
P.O. Box 8; Glen Rose, TX 76043
(254) 897-4171; (254) 897-4509; Fax (254) 897-7713
Music: Country
Activities: Rodeo
Somervell County PRCA Rodeo features some of the world's greatest professional cowboys and cowgirls in competition and great country music. Some of the exciting events will be bronco riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, goat milking and of course Mutton Bustin. The Mutton Buston' will be at 7:00pm each night. Mutton Bustin' Contestants must weigh 50 pounds or less. Sign-ups at Rodeo at 6:00pm, limited to first 25 each night -- $10 entry fee. Rodeo performance 7:30 p.m. each night with top professional cowboys & cowgirls. Great Action! Thrills, Spills & Fun!

Argyle Bluegrass Festival
March 6-7
Cross Timbers Community Church; 1119 US 377, Argyle
Argyle Parks & Arts
Jackie Thomas, Executive Director
P.O. Box 10; Argyle, TX 76226
(888) 557-6499; (940) 294-2522
Music: Bluegrass
Activities: Bluegrass workshop, Community Fair , Sponsor Pavilion
Argyle Bluegrass Festival concert schedule is Friday 6 p.m.-11 p.m. and Saturday 11a.m.-10:30 p.m.. Featured Artists are The Dan Tyminski Band, Tony Rice & Friends, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Mountain Heart, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Gibson Brothers, Dale Ann BRadley, The Josh Williams Band and Long Road Home. Workshop classes presented by the Argyle Learning Center under the direction of "Dr.Banjo," Pete Wernick, featuring top artists from the performing bands; arts & crafts vendors; community area; food court; sponsor pavilion; Pete Wernick's Jam Camp. Check website for ticket information

North Texas Irish Festival
March 6-8
Fair Park, Dallas, TX; Fair Park
Southwest Celtic Music Association
Marsha Singer
1920 Abrams Parkway, No. 382; Dallas, TX 75214
(214) 821-4173; (972) 943-4624
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Celtic
Activities: Music festival, Arts & Crafts
The North Texas Irish Festival occurs during the first weekend in March, which next year will actually start on the evening of Friday, February 29th - known as Sadie Hawkins day in some countries!

Spring Music Festival
March 6 -15
Auslander Biergarten; 323 East Main Street, Fredricksburg
The Auslander
Jeff Jeffers
323 East Main; Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-7714
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic, Rock
Activities: Music festival
Described as “Fredericksburg’s #1 venue for Texas Country Music”, The Auslander offers one of the most unique live music venues anywhere in Texas. Originally just a traditional German restaurant in beautiful downtown Fredericksburg, The Auslander has been transformed into a haven for Texas music, with live performances every week and an annual festival. Similar to Bocktoberfest in Shiner, Texas, the Spring Music Festival features ten straight days of some of the best and most popular musical performers in Texas. Performances include Billy Joe Shaver, Joe Ely, Bruce Robison, Walt Wilkins, Two Tons of Steel, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Fastball, Cory Morrow, Monte Montgomery, Bob Scheidner, Seth James, Ruthie Foster and more. The capacity of The Auslander is somewhat limited, so we suggest purchasing tickets as early as possible.

Springfest- Wine, Art and Food Festival, Texas Style
March 6 - 8
Old Town Spring Texas; 123 F Midway
Old Town Spring Preservation League
123 F Midway; Spring, TX 77373
(800) 653-8696
Music: Cowboy, Jazz, Pop
Activities: Music festival, Roving Street Performers
The 11th annual Wine and Art Festival begins on Friday, March 6th. Visitors can sample wines from Texas vineyards and purchase their favorite wine by the bottle at the Springfest Wine Store. Imported and micro beers will be on tap at the Budweiser Beer Wall. Local Texas artists and artisans will display their work and answer questions about their art. A wide range of products produced or made in Texas will be offered by Go Texan vendors. Come out and meet Texas musicians and songwriters entertaining live on stage in Preservation Park. Join us Friday noon till 5pm, Sat. 10 till Midnight, Sun 10 till 4pm.

Daffodil Festival
March 7
Round Rock Senior Citizen Center; 301 West Bagdad Avenue, Building 2
Round Rock Senior Citizens Foundation
William Beebe
P.O. Box 481; Round Rock, TX 78680
(512) 940-5817; (512) 351-2504
Music: Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Vendors, dance groups
The Daffodil Festival features live music, entertainment, a wonderful food court, games, balloons, and face painting. Local health and service organizations sponsor displays and artists and craftsmen will also display their work. This year's entertainment includes local youth groups, and a harmonica and country music act. As always, there will be door prizes and a raffle. The event runs from about 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., with an auction at 1 p.m. In 2003, 78th Texas Legislature declared Round Rock the Daffodil Capitol of Texas.

Dia Del Mariachi Competition con Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
March 7
Selena Auditorium; 704 Coyote Trail
Coastal Bend College
Juan Jose Sanchez
704 Coyote Trail; Alice, TX 78332
(361) 664-2981 ext. 3042; Fax (361) 664-9277
Music: Regional Mexican, Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico
Activities: Music festival, Singing contests, College Information, Games, Food
Dia Del Mariachi Competition con Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan features Mariachi group and individual Mariachi vocal competition for High Schools, Middle Schools, and Junior High Schools competing for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Division ratings. Trophies in each division for Best Vocalist, Best Rhythm Section, Best Trumpet Section, Best Violin Section, etc. Live concert by a professional Mariachi group, University Mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan , and competition winners: best vocalist and best group. There will also be college recruiting information.

Huston-Tillotson University's Annual President's Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams (MASKED) Scholarship Gala
March 7
Sheraton Austin Hotel; 701 East 11th Street
Huston-Tillotson University
Linda Y. Jackson; Director of Communications and Marketing
900 Chicon Street; Austin, TX 78702
(512) 505-3073; (512) 505-3006; Fax (512) 505-3196
Huston-Tillotson University's Sixth Annual President's Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams (MASKED) Scholarship Gala will feature a celebrity guest appearance by Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the crowd favorite Rayvon, providing the music, a parade of masks, and a showcase of HT students. The gala will be held at the Sheraton Austin Hotel, 701 East 11th Street, Austin, TX. Admission is $125 per person. Sponsored by Huston-Tillotson University's Office of Institutional Advancement.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Concerts
March 7, May 2, July 18
Selena Auditorium, Wortham Center; Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston
Muñoz Public Relations
Sandra Guevara
110 Broadway, Suite 220; San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 225-3353; Fax (210) 225-3360
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Tejano, Mariachi
Activities: Music festival, Singing contests
Enjoy the finest musicians and voices in Mexico at Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Concerts in Corpus Christi, Dallas and Houston. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán is recognized as "El Mejor Mariachi Del Mundo" - "The Best Mariachi In The World". The group has been in existence for 111 years and has performed around the world, including performances with many major symphonies. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has performed for dozens of motion pictures and has recorded more than 90 Cds.

See! Hear!
March 8
Saint Mark's Episcopal Church; 2128 Barton Hills Drive, Austin
Austin Children's Choir
Kathleen Turner, Artistic Director
1515 Resaca Blvd. , No. 2; Austin, TX 78738-5511
(512) 750-9299
See! Hear! is a Concert/Silent Auction Fundraising Event where live art inspired by the Austin Children's Choir (children's voices) will be created by local artists. Tickets are $5, available at the door.

Arts Education Day at the Capitol 2
March 9-10
Texas Capitol Building; Austin
Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education
James M. Clarke, Executive Director
1120 Texas Avenue, No. 5-B; Houston, TX 77002
(713) 237-0147; (713) 254-2092; Fax (713) 237-0147
Music: Classical, Cowboy, Dance, Jazz, Pop
On March 9-10, 2009 the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education (TCQAE) will host its 8th Arts Education Day(s) at the Capitol. This is the first time we will hold the events on two days. Each day will be a celebration of the importance of the arts and arts education featuring performances by outstanding arts (music, art, theatre and dance) students from throughout the state. The first day (March 9th) will begin at 9:30 a.m. with an orientation on the day’s events. At 10:00 a.m. students will deliver information about Arts Education Day(s) and the importance of the arts to state Legislators and the Texas Education Agency. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a Press Conference in the Speaker’s Press Room. Beginning at noon, on both March 9th and 10th, student groups will perform in the Capitol Rotunda, including jazz bands, orchestras, choirs, dance ensembles, theatre performers, and art students. n addition, student performances will be on the South Steps of the Capitol from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Outstanding student artwork from all across Texas will be featured in the Capitol Extension building as a part of the Texas Art Education Association, Youth Art Month Exhibit.

Nederland Heritage Festival
March 10-15
Main Street; 1500 Boston Avenue
Nederland Heritage Festival Foundation
Wanda Hollier
P.O. Box 1176; Nederland, TX 77627
(409) 724-2269; Fax (409) 724-1645
Music: Cajun, Country, R&B, Rock
Activities: County fair
Nederland Heritage Festival is a homecoming; this is a time; six-day block party; every civic organization is involved; we are the last free festival in Southeast Texas. Every night there is a different type of music: cajun, R&B, country, rock and roll. Activities include booths, crafts market, chili cook off, petting zoo, free entertainment, motorcycle show, carnival, and the best food in Southeast Texas (all homemade).

Refugio County Fair & PRCA Rodeo 2
March 11 - 14
Refugio County Fairgrounds; 106 Fairground Road, Refugio
Refugio County Fair Association
Julie Van Ness
P.O. Box 88; Refugio, TX 78377
(361) 526-4685
Music: Country, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
Refugio County Fair & PRCA Rodeo covers five days with many events and contests such as a chili cook off, hot sauce contest, livestock show, arts and crafts, and live dances.

La Salle County Fair and Wild Hog Cookoff
March 12 - 15
La Salle County Fairgrounds; Highway 97
La Salle County Fair Association
Janina Reuland
P.O. Box 553; Cotulla, TX 78014
(830) 879-2852; (830) 879-2852; Fax (830) 879-3580
Music: Cajun, Children's, Christian, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
The La Salle County Fair & Wild Hog Cookoff is a four-day event filled with activities. Events include a livestock show, cookoffs, parade, childrens' contests, arts and crafts, science fair, races and more. Entertainment includes folk and Tejano music as well as a country western dance.

NX35 Music Conferette
March 12-15
Chris Flemmons
Denton, TX
Activities: Music festival
NX35 Music Conferette is a first-year music conference programming over 130 acts, multiple panels, Q&As,and a trade show in the heart of Denton, Texas — the other, smaller, music town in Texas. The Conferette takes place at 12 participating venues all within the walkable 4-block area surrounding the Denton courthouse square.

National Accordion Convention • Accordion Party
March 12-14
Richardson Hotel; I-75 at Campbell, Richardson
National Accordion Association, Inc.
Norman Seaton
P.O. Box 57-0533; Dallas, TX 75357
(214) 403-6738
Music: Big Band, Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Folk/Acoustic, Polka, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Trade show/convention
The National Accordion Convention (Accordion Party) is an educational event designed to teach accordion playing techniques. The days are filled with training sessions and the evenings are open to the public. For 2009, the evening events includes Accordion Bands (Thursday), the National Polka Party and Dance (Friday), and a classical accordion concert on Saturday.

Texas Guitar Competition
March 12-14
Conference Centter; University of Texas, Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas, Arts & Humanities
Kristi Barrus
P.O. Box 830688; Richardson, TX 75083-0688
(972) 883-2972; (972) 883-2972
Music: Classical
Activities: Guitar competition
This unique Texas competition, designed to showcase outstanding classical guitar students, will award $6,000 in cash prizes to the winners. Over the three-day event, students can compete and attend master classes and concerts by internationally recognized guitarists. Prize Money: 1st-$3000, 2nd-$2000, 3rd-$1000

Young Texas Artists Music Competition
March 12-14
Crighton Theatre; 234 North Main Street
Young Texas Artist Music Competition
Susie Pokorski
1608 Pine Oak Drive; Conroe, TX 77304-1339
(936) 756-7017; Fax (936) 756-7896
Music: Classical
Activities: Awards show, Singing contests, String, Wind, Brass solo contest
The Young Texas Artists 25th Annual Music Competition for Voice, Piano, Strings, Wind, Brass, Harp, Guitar and Percussion will be held March 12-14, 2009 in Conroe, Texas near Houston. This is a classical music competition for ages 18-30. A three-day event ending with a concert of finalists the evening of Saturday, March 14th, to select the grand prize winner and the Audience Choice Award. We will award over $ 21,000 in prizes and several winners will get symphony or opera performances. Participants will receive written critiques from five prestigious judges. Preliminary rounds, which are free and open to the public, begin Thursday morning, March 12 and continue through Saturday afternoon. Concert tickets are $22 and are available at the Crighton Theatre Box Office, 936-441-SHOW (7469). Schedules are posted at YoungTexasArtists.org. Application postmark deadline is January 15th, 2009.

Alamo Irish Festival
March 13 - 15
La Villita; San Antonio
The Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas
Victor Villegas
3011 Indian Hills Drive; Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 885-2096; (210) 912-3411; Fax (210) 497-1131
Music: Country, Jazz, Pop, Tejano, Celtic
Activities: Music festival
The Annual Alamo Irish Festival will be held at La Villita and the Arneson River Theater. There will be food and beverage booths, arts and crafts booths, an Irish store, genealogy information and a special children's area. The Arneson will host musians, dancers and singers with entertainment varying from Irish to Country, Jazz, Rock and Tejano. This is a free event and fun for the whole family.

Heart of Texas Country Music Association's Anniversary Party 2
March 13-14, 27-28
Lantex Theater; 113 West Main Street
Heart of Texas Country Music Association
Tracy Pitcox, Producer
1701 South Bridge Street; Brady, TX 76825-7031
(325) 597-1895; (325) 597-3491; Fax (325) 597-0515
Music: Country, Western Swing
Activities: Music festival
The Heart of Texas Country Music Association will celebrate its 19th Anniversary on Saturday, March 25th, at the Ed Davenport Civic Center in Brady. The festivities will include a welcoming party, afternoon concert and an evening dinner and dance. The entertainment this year will be full of traditional Country Music legends including Darrell & Mona McCall, Justin Trevino, Leona Williams, Frankie Miller, Amber Digby and Ferlin Husky. These performers will appear at both the afternoon concert and the evening dance. The festivities begin on Friday at 8:00 PM. The admission is $15.00 for the Welcoming Party and Dance. On Saturday music starts at 1:00 PM and the dinner and dance starts at 7:00 PM. A special combination ticket to the concert, dinner and dance will be $20.00. The Heart of Texas Country Music Association grew from the Hillbilly Hits Fan Club, a group established to promote the Hillbilly Hits Radio show from KNEL FM 95.3 in Brady. The traditional Country Music radio show is hosted by Tracy Pitcox and features requests and interviews with the legendary figures of the industry including George Jones, Willie Nelson, Kitty Wells, Ray Price, Bob Wills, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. The association, which boasts 850 members, promotes the Mason and Llano Country Opry shows at the Odeon and Lantex Theaters. The organization has sponsored many Country Music entertainers at those venues including Ray Price, Gene Watson, Kitty Wells, John Conlee, Freddie Hart, the Geezinslaws and Jean Shepard among others. The group also plans various trips to Branson and Nashville and operates Heart of Texas Records with projects currently by Leona Williams, Floyd Tillman, Darrell McCall, Pretty Miss Norma Jean and Curtis Potter. The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum located in Brady, opened in August of 2000. The museum contains items from over seventy five country music entertainers including Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Thompson and even Jim Reeves’ 1956 tour bus.

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show
March 13-22
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds; 1000 North Texas
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show
Sam Magee
P.O. Box 867; Mercedes, TX 78570
(956) 565-2456; Fax (956) 565-3005
Music: Country, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Inc. chartered in 1940, is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to help educate and develop young people, particularly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, in the care, grooming, management, showing and marketing of livestock. Funds to operate the Show come solely from donations, revenues realized from gate, carnival receipts, commercial exhibit rental, entry and concession fees. Hundreds of volunteers from throughout Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr Counties, working without any financial compensation whatsoever, make the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show possible.

South by Southwest Music and Media Conference
March 13-22
Austin Convention Center; 500 East First Street
South By Southwest, Inc.
Roland Swenson
P.O. Box 4999; Austin, TX 78765
(512) 467-7979; Fax (512) 451-0754
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, R&B, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock, Tejano, World Beat
Activities: Music festival, Trade show/convention
The South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW) is a five-day professional meeting held every March in Austin for members of the regional, national, and international music industry. The daytime sessions--attended by more than 11,000 registrants includes scores of panels, workshops and other meetings covering relevant music industry topics and issues as well as a large industry trade show exhibition. Evenings are devoted to the SXSW Music Festival, which showcases some 1500 acts -- from unsigned hopefuls to rising major label acts. The New York Times says "Although South by Southwest has evolved over the years to include podcasts, video broadcasts and even text-message updates, the event is built on the idea that the best way to discover new music is face to face." Following the business, the event is capped by a Sunday afternoon, Texas-styled barbecue and softball tournament.

Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo / Rodeo Austin
March 13-28
Travis County Expo Center; 7311 Decker Lane
Star of Texas
Katy Berdoll
9100 Decker Lake Road; Austin, TX 78724
(512) 919-3000; Fax (512) 919-3005
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Latin Pop, Pop, R&B, Regional Mexican, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Cowboy poetry, Fiddling contests, Rodeo
The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, contributes over $1.5 million annually to the youth of Texas with the help of over 2,800 volunteers, donors and sponsors. Through its acclaimed Livestock Show, Fair, and Rodeo, the Star of Texas continues to work towards the advancement of its mission, Promoting Youth Education - Preserving Western Heritage. In 2008 STFR awarded $337,000 in scholarships to students in Texas. Rodeo Austin will be held March 13-28, 2009 at the Travis County Expo Center and will feature ProRodeo and Xtreme Bullriding performances along with today's top musical entertainers. In addition to main stage performances, the outdoor stage will feature local talent of all genres. The entertainment lineup will be announced January 29, 2009 and tickets will go on sale January 30. Go to www.RodeoAustin.com for more information!

Texas Steel Guitar Association Jamboree
March 13-16
Sheraton Grand Hotel-DFW; 4440 West John Carpenter Freeway at Esters Road
Texas Steel Guitar Association
Albert Talley
2500 West Henderson; Cleburne, TX 76033
(817) 558-3481
Music: Country, Cowboy, Jazz
Activities: Awards show, Trade show/convention, Education
Last year's seminars were a big hit and the TSGA has arranged for several new educational opportunities for our Jamboree attendees. Resonator Guitar for Pedal Steel Players, a seminar with reso and steel great Mike Auldridge. Resonator Guitar Setup Clinics, periodically held by our esteemed resonator builders, Paul Beard, Jim Adams and Carroll Benoit. Tempered Tuning Clinic, a seminar on how to temper tune your steel guitar will be presented by John Norris from Peterson Tuners. The amazing Joe Wright will be this year's clinician teaching steel guitar knowledge and technique. Dick Meis will again be doing his 2-hour non-pedal clinic. Band-in-a-box Workshops with Big Jim Baron. The guru of this great self-help program will be offered two seminars on BIAB. Friday Night Jam Session. The organizer of this event is once again the great Louie Hallford. To register for the jam session, send Louie an email and he'll get you on the program. Space is limited, so don't delay! Saturday Night Set by Johnny Bush! The "Country Caruso" once again will perform a set of his classic material, as he did last year and the year before. Not to be missed. Texas Dance with Time Warp Tophands Saturday night. Western swing show and dance with one of the premier Texas bands. This is one of the things you come to the Jamboree to experience! Steel Guitars in concert all weekend! Fantastic backup band. Talent night Thursday evening, with our favorite emcee, Buddy Bryant. Church service Sunday morning.

ATX Emerge 2
March 14
The IMC (Integratec Media Community)
Jon Lerner, Event Coordinator
1702 West Sixth Street; Austin, TX 78703
(214) 616-2747
Activities: Music festival
ATX Emerge is committed to celebrating Austin's independent media community leaders, straddling the space between art and entrepreneurship, and the IMC has dedicated itself to crafting unique opportunities to spotlight artists reflecting the IMC's mission - building sustainable independent media industry growth in Austin. It is certain that the event's highlights will both inspire and entertain Austin's new generation of media entrepreneurs, while generating nation wide media opportunities for both musicians and film makers.

The Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas 2
March 14-15
Fayette County Fairgrounds; La Grange
La Grange Chamber
Jon Quinn
171 South Main; La Grange, TX 78945
(979) 968-5756; (800) 524-7264; Fax (979) 968-8000
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival, Horse clinic, BBQ Cookoff, Cowboy Chur
The Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas featuring Don Edwards, The Quebe Sisters Band, Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition, Ginny Mac, children's author and entertainer Rooster Morris. Gates open at 9 a.m. both days. Music all afternoon with a Chuck Wagon Exhibit, Western Trade Show, Horse Clinic, Cowboy Church, Children's Activities, Washer Pitching Tournament, Horseshoe Pitching, Domino Tournament, Storytelling, Dutch Oven Exhibits and Cookoff.

Czech St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 14
KJT Hall; 1216 South Paris Street, Ennis
KJT Hall
David Slovak
1216 South Paris Street; Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 875-7982
Music: Polka
Activities: Music festival, Door Prizes
Come join in on the fun at the KJT Hall Ennis, TX for the first ever Czech St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Vaneks of West and Czech and Then Some. 7 p.m. - Midnight. Doors open at 6 p.m. $2.00 Beer Night. Free band CD's for door prizes. KJT Youth Club will be selling sandwiches.

Luminaria
March 14
Alamo Plaza and Downtown San Antonio; 300 Alamo Plaza
City of San Antonio
P.O. Box 839966; San Antonio, TX 78283
(210) 569-6954; (210) 207-6960
Music: Christian
Luminaria is San Antonio’s annual day- and evening-long celebration of the city’s artists, musicians, performers and cultural organizations. Initiated by Mayor Phil Hardberger in 2008 and overseen by San Antonio’s creative leaders, the event provides visitors and residents with a unique opportunity to revel in the city’s wealth of traditional and innovative cultural expression presented on stages, in theaters, galleries, and on the streets of downtown San Antonio. Building upon the success of its inaugural presentation, Luminaria 2009 is an even more ambitious undertaking, with more than 40 non-profit organizations and several hundred artists and performers representing every major discipline in the arts, from dance, theater, poetry readings, and music to painting, sculpture, film, and multi-arts projects. Presenting a combination of new and classical works, both invited and selected from hundreds of submissions and commissions, Luminaria 2009 will provide a comprehensive showcase of talent and creativity on a larger scale than any other city in the United States.

Redbud Festival
March 14
Buna Elementary and Buna High School; Highway 62
Buna Chamber of Commerce
Teri Burt
P.O. Box 1782; Buna, TX 77612
(409) 994-5586; Fax (409) 994-5586
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Country, Cowboy
Activities: County fair, Music festival, Food/craft vendors
The Redbud Festival features live entertainment on two stages, arts and crafts, well over 200 booths, and a parade. Entertainment is mainly local bands and admission is free. The Festival starts at 10 a.m. and will end around 5 p.m.

St. Patrick's River Dyeing Parade
March 15
Arneson River Theatre; On the Riverwalk
Paseo Del Rio and Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas
Mae Kelly
P.O. Box 15306; San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 344-4317; (210) 490-8827
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Irish, Celtic
Activities: Music festival
The Annual River Dyeing Parade will be held during the 3rd weekend of March. The fun will begin at the Arneson River Theater at noon with a Celtic band followed by an Irish band and Irish dancers. At 1:00pm about six barges full of happy people will start winding down the San Antonio River through town. Behind the barges can be seen the bright green water making the San Antonio River, "The River Shannon" for the day. At the Arneson River Theater the barge people will disembark and the official ceremony will begin. There will be bagpipes, color guards, proclamations, speeches, bands and an Irish sing along. The Paseo del Rio Association and the Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas jointly bring this event to the citizens of San Antonio.

Solely SOLI
March 16 - 17
Gallery Nord and Ruth Taylor Recital Hall;
SOLI Chamber Ensemble
Ertan Torgul, Violin
420 Ogden Lane; San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 930-3931
Music: Classical
Activities: Music festival
World Premiere Event: SOLI, one of Texas' leading contemporary chamber ensembles, presents this world premiere event featuring San Antonio's own Robert Xavier Rodríguez´ brand new work, written for SOLI, Mu´sica por un tiempo. Rodríguez received his early musical education in San Antonio and in UT Austin, later continued his studies in Los Angeles (USC), Tanglewood, Fontainebleau (Conservatoire Américain) and Paris. His teachers have included Nadia Boulanger, Jacob Druckman, Bruno Maderna and Elliott Carter. Rodríguez first gained international recognition in 1971, when he was awarded the Prix de Composition Musicale Prince Pierre de Monaco by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace in Monte Carlo. He currently holds the endowed chair of University Professor of Music and is Director of the Musica Nova ensemble at The University of Texas at Dallas. The program will also feature Kevin Puts' Simaku and Diego Vega's hlör u fang axaxaxas mlö for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano.

Leisure Tourniquet Presents: Equinox Mish Mash
March 20 - 21
Salvage Vanguard Theater;
Leisure Tourniquet / Henna Chou
Henna Chou, Event Organizer
2408 Willow Street; Austin, TX 78702
(512) 799-8908

Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair 2
March 20 - 22
Market Square; Downtown San Antonio
Texas Talent Musicians Association
Robert Arellano
P.O. Box 761358; San Antonio, TX 78245-6358
(210) 222-8862; (210) 224-7592; Fax (210) 224-7592
Music: Tejano
Activities: Fan Fair
The Fan Fair is a free family event with performances by over 100 bands attended by over 75,000 fans of Tejano music. The event also hosts a special Tejano Artists Autograph session on Friday. The Fanfare will be followed by a series of other events throughout the entire week leading up to the actual Awards Show in Eagle Pass. One such event is the Tejano Music Industry Awards Ceremony that honors individual musicians, songwriters, Rising Female, Rising Male, and Rising Group with voting done by peers. Held at Market Square in downtown San Antonio. 6 stages - 3 day event. All Ages Welcome.

Tyler Museum of Art's Texas Songwriter Series
March 20
The Tyler Museum of Art; 1300 S. Mahon Ave., adjacent to Tyler Junior College
Tyler Museum of Art
Jon Perry
1300 South Mahon; Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 595-1001; Fax (903) 595-1055
A musical homecoming is on the bill March 20, as Grammy Award winners Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines hit the stage along with Tyler native Adam Carroll as special guest for the next concert in the Tyler Museum of Art's Texas Songwriter Series. Tickets are still available for the concert, tuning up at 7 p.m. Friday, March 20 in Tyler Junior College's Jean Browne Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. All ticket holders are invited for a post-show reception, with dessert and coffee provided by Starbucks, immediately following the performance at the TMA, 1300 S. Mahon Ave. Seats are $20 for Museum members and $25 for non-members in advance; admission is $30 at the door. Seating is limited, so patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early by calling (903) 595-1001.

Azalea Festival
March 21
Courthouse Square; Downtown Jasper
Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce
Liz Street, Special Events Coordinator
246 East Milam; Jasper, TX 75951
(409) 384-2762; Fax (409) 384-4733
Music: Christian, Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Poetry contest
The Azalea Festival is held each year on the third Saturday in March. It is a day long event that includes arts and crafts, live entertainment, activities for everybody in the family and so much more! We also have our Annual Azalea Trail that takes visitors on a tour of some of the most beautiful Azalea blooms in our city. They begin to bloom in the middle of March and stay for about a month. For more information on the events of our festival or if you are interested in being involved, please contact our Chamber Office at (409)384-2762.

Bear Creek Concert 2
March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, September 19, October 17
Home of Christy Claxton; 450 Rogers Trail, La Grange
Christy Claxton
450 Rogers Trail; La Grange, TX 78945
(979) 249-2519
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Rock, Rockabilly
Activities: Concert season
Concerts are held off of the front porch of Claxton's cabin on her 28 acre homestead in La Grange, Texas. Attendees can become part of the Peace from the Porch project by bringing donations to the concert. Donations are made to different causes to better human lives each concert season. Dates for the 2009 season are March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, September 19, and October 17. Pot luck at 6:30pm, music at 7:30pm. Bring your own chair and beverages. $10 minimum donation. 100% goes to local family crisis center and performers.

Big Symphony Association Spring Concert
March 21
Big Spring Municipal Auditorium; 310 East Third
Big Spring Symphony Association
Big Spring Symphony Association
808 Scurry; Big Spring, TX 79720
(432) 264-7223; (432) 263-8235
Music: Christian, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Concert season
Big Symphony Association Spring Concert presents the Best of Broadway, Encore appearance featuring Renay Joubert, Soprano with the Big Spring Symphony Chorus.

Dogwood Jamboree
March 21, June 20, August 15, October 31, December 5
Palestine Civic Center;
102 Crescent Drive
Dan Manuel, Producer / Director
Palestine, TX 75801
(903) 729-5611; (903) 724-2556
A Branson style classic country music show. We have artists from all over Texas and other states entertaining as well as comedy acts, and a great band. The band members have entertained and fronted for various country music artists. The performance is in its fifth year of production and the attendance generally runs around 800-900 people. Tour groups from Texas and other states frequent the shows each year. The show is a "FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT" venue and is suitable for children and adults. The performance lasts about 2 and ½ hours with an intermission. Future performances include March 21st (Sat) 7 pm "Yesterday's Country", June 20th ((Sat) 7 pm "All American Country", August 15th(Sat) 7 Pm "Pure Country", October 31st (Sat) 7pm "Country Souvenirs" and December 5th(Sat) 7pm "Christmas Times-A-Comin".

Kemah "Pan Jam" Steel Drum Festival
March 21
Kemah Lighthouse District; 603 Sixth Street
City of Kemah
Sandra Williams
603 Sixth Street; Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 538-4165; (832) 771-7661
Music: Cajun, World Beat
Activities: Music festival
The Kemah Lighthouse District comes alive with the lively beat of Steel Drums, Fire Dancers and a large variety of entertainment as the 6th Annual Kemah Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival sets up shop on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Nothing like Hurricane "Ike" can keep this town down! "Pan Jam" is defined by authentic Caribbean steel drums, calypso and reggae musicians from around the world. The schedule features Earl La Pierre of the Cayman Islands, Hanna's Reef, Coconut Dave, The Outriggers and local college steel drum bands. All proceeds with be donated to the Kemah Volunteer Fire Department. With special recognition to San Jacinto College, University of Houston Pantagonist & Lone Star College Steel Drum programs. For a complete schedule update check the website www.kemahpanjam.com. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and carries on until 10 p.m. There are lots of ice cold beverages and festival foods available on the Old School House Visitor Center parking lot, located at the corner of 6th and Bradford. Admission is FREE and there are lots of free street parking surrounding the festival site. The amazing KVFD firefighters and friends will cook up tasty BBQ, fajitas, burgers and more. The "soon to be famous" KVFD Bagpipe Band will be giving an impromptu performance during the Festival. There are arts and crafts booths offering a variety of fun items, including fine arts & handmade crafts. A quad bungee jump, tropical attire and hat contests, giant inflatables and lots of family fun will round out the event. If you are feeling lucky, there is even a raffle with lots of great prizes. The Kick Off celebration will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the newly renovated Zone 504 on Kipp Street in the Kemah Lighthouse District from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. For more information regarding Pan Jam, check the web site www.kemahpanjam.com or call Event Director Sandra Williams (281) 538-4165. For vendor info call Annabelle Ruch (832) 771-7661.

Mud Dauber Festival & Ball 2
March 21
Luckenbach; 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg
Luckenbach
Abbey
412 Luckenbach Town Loop; Luckenbach, TX 78624
(830) 997-3224 Ext. 29; (888) 311-8990; Fax (830) 997-1024
Music: Country
Activities: Music festival, Games and tournaments
Annual Festival celebrating the day the Mud Daubers -- Little bluesish-blackish wasp-like creatures that do not sting...for those folks that may be wonderin' (Yankees) -- come back to Luckenbach (also the same day the swallows return to San Jaun Capastrono, but since this is Luckenbach, you won't hear much about that). It's time for our Annual Mud Dauber Festival & Ball. It's an entire day filled of live music, fun, and cold beer.

Texas Guitar Show • Austin
March 21 - 22
Crockett Center; 6301 Highway 290 East
Texas Guitar Shows, Inc.
Ruth Brinkmann
920 North Main Street; Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 473-6059; Fax (817) 473-1089
Activities: Trade show/convention
The Texas Guitar Show in Austin centers around the buying, selling, and trading of stringed instruments.

Texas Western Swing Fiddling Showcase
March 21
Bell County Expo; Belton
Texas Western Saving Heritage Association
Nan Ray
5290 South I-35; Belton, TX 76513
(254) 939-8390; (254) 939-8390
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival, Dinner and Dance, Fiddling
The 12th Annual Texas Western Swing Fiddling Showcase will feature bands performing on stage noon -5:30 p.m. Featured fiddlers and musicians include Randy Elmore, Dave Alexander, Bobby Flores, Ricky Turpin, Wes Westmoreland, Robert Weeks, and many more. Musical entertainment is noon to 5p.m. with featured musicians presenting their various style of western swing. There will be bands with fiddle musicians playing a variety of music. Dinner will be served at 5:30. Reservations must be in by March 16, 2009. Great dance music begins at 8 and ends at midnight. Be sure to stay for dinner at 5:30 p.m. (advance tickets only) and the dance 8 p.m. to midnight.

The Woodlands Community Association's Concerts in the Park Series
March 22 - April 26, June - July, Sept - Oct
Northshore Park; 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands Community Association
Stephanie Johnson
5310 Research Forest Drive; The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 210-3950; Fax (936) 273-4995
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Latin Pop, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
Throughout the year outdoor concerts are held at Northshore Park most Sunday evenings. The family friendly concerts are free.

South Texas State Fair
March 26 - April 5
Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex; IH-10, Beaumont
Young Men's Business League
Chris Colletti
7250 Wespark Drive; Beaumont, TX 77705
(409) 832-9991; Fax (409) 838-0402
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Children's, Christian, Country, Jazz, R&B, Rock
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
The South Texas State Fair is a regional fair with livestock and poultry shows, arts and crafts, an auto show, and amateur live entertainment. Also the Bill Hames Shows provides a 50 ride carnival midway.

Temple College Jazz Festival
March 26-28
Temple College, Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Auditorium; 2600 South First Street
Temple College Music Department
Thomas Fairlie
2600 South First Street; Temple, TX 76504
(254) 298-8555; Fax (254) 298-8549
Music: Jazz
Activities: Music festival
An entertaining and educational weekend of outstanding jazz that will bring together top professional artists, clinicians and hundreds of college, high school, and middle school musicians for clinics, competitions and great performances. Come to the finest performing venue, the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Auditorium on the Temple College campus and...be a part of it! Featured artists are Suzi Stern, Bill Watrous and Randy Brecker.

Bayou City Art Festival - Memorial Park
March 27 - 29
Houston, TX; Memorial Park
Art Colony Association, Inc.
Kim Stoilis
1418 Sul Ross Street; Houston, TX 77006-4830
(713) 521-0133; Fax (713) 521-0013
Music: Ambient/New Age, Children's, Classical, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, World Beat
The Bayou City Art Festival features over 300 artists displaying their work. This festival occurs twice a year, in October and March. Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Houston Arts Alliance presents live music and dance performances from classical to world music on the festival stage. Musicians also offer ambient music throughout the day. There will be hands-on children's art activities in the creative zone and a festival food court.

Bluebonnet Music and Fine Arts Festival 2
March 27-29
Main Street; One Block West of Hwy 281
Historic Main Street Association
Cindy Vaughn
P. O. Box 1002; Marble Falls, TX 78654
(830) 798-1041; (800) 864-5175; Fax (830) 798-1042
Music: Blues, Cajun, Christian, Tejano, Traditional
Activities: Music festival, Street dance, Fine Arts Festival
Historic Main Street Association and the Uptown Marble Falls Arts Alliance proudly presents the redesigned Bluebonnet Music and Fine Arts Festival featuring music by Pure Prairie League. Music by Pianorama featuring Johnny Nicholas, Danny Levin, Floyd Domino and Riley Osborne on Friday night. Saturday the music starts at 1:00 pm with Larry Salinas, Soul Revue at 2:00 pm with Debbi Walton, Scott Boland, Brian Langlinais and Mike Cross, Mike Blakely Y Los Yahoos at 3:15 pm, Geronimo Trevino III & Claude "Butch" Morgan at 4:30 pm, John Arthur Martinez at 5:45 pm, Pure Prairie League at 7:00 pm, Cornell Hurd & his Big 'Ol Band play the Street Dance at 8:30 pm. Sunday join Will Taylor & Strings Attached for a 2:00 pm Beatles Show. Along with the LIVE MUSIC portion of the festival, there will be Live Art! Artist's will "Paint the Town" live on Main Street. While the music is playing, you can watch as artists bring the town of Marble Falls to life on canvas! Painting begins on Friday. Silent Auction beginning Saturday at 6:30pm and ending Sunday at 3:00pm.

Brazos River Music Fest
March 27-28
Reunion Grounds; Downtown Granbury
Brazos River Music Festival
Julia Toth
6212 Joseph; Granbury, TX 76049
(817) 578-0334
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival, Carnival
The Brazos River Music Fest is now a two day annual concert in Granbury, Texas. Past performers include John Anderson, David Ball, Billy Joe Shaver, Radney Foster, Rusty Wier, Tommy Alverson, Deryl Dodd, Max Stalling, Joni Harms, Ed Burleson, Bonnie Bishop, Cooder Graw, Charlie Robison, Jack Ingram, Gary P. Nunn, Tom Faulkner, Mike Graham, Trish Murphy, Tommy Alverson, Rodney Hayden, Asleep at the Wheel, Sonny Burgess, Brian Burns and Brian Lee. In addition, the Festival is in cooperating efforts with General Granbury?s Birthday Celebration, a 29-year tradition that includes a bean and rib cook-off, amusements, contests for children and arts & crafts on the courthouse square, along with a parade at Noon. The Festival music will begin in the adjacent Shanley Park on Friday at 6:00 p.m and Saturday following the parade around 3:00 p.m. In addition to the music on Friday and Saturday, the Festival will have its 4th annual Golf Tournament on Friday, March 27th, which will include some of the artists from the Festival, radio personalities, other media and sponsors. As in the past, the proceeds from the Festival, as well as the golf tournament, will be used to provide equipment, supplies, personnel, activities and other resources for The kids of Hood County.

Liberty Jubilee
March 27-28
On the Square, Humphreys Cultural Center; Downtown Liberty
City of Liberty
Dianne Tidwell, Candice Parker, Naomi Herrington
1829 Sam Houston; Liberty, TX 77575
(936) 336-3684; Fax (936) 336-9846
Music: Bluegrass, Children's, Christian, Country, Rock
Activities: Street dance
Liberty Jubilee features an array of activities for the whole family. Exhibits will be provided the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Forestry Department, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. More than 130 arts and crafts booths and food booths will be provided. Activities include live music, sporting events, an antique show, a children's area, a parade, clowns, jugglers, a barbeque cookoff and more.

Montgomery County Fair
March 27 - April 5
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 offers a rodeo on the opening weekend, livestock shows, adult and junior home economics, livestock auction, homemaking auction, a variety of bands, and much more. March 27 & 28 will be the rodeo days with April 3 & April 4 featuring a barbecue cookoff and April 5th will be "Tejano Day" with carnival rides and live bands from noon - midnight.

South Texas Polka and Sausage Festival 2
March 27-29
Knights of Columbus Hall; Highway 77 South
Knights of Columbus
Bobby Pavliska
P.O. Box 46; Hallettsville, TX 77964
(361) 798-2311; (361) 798-4333
Music: Polka
Activities: Music festival
The South Texas Polka and Sausage Festival includes a polka mass, food, dancing, live polka music, state polka and waltz contest, and a hobo band concert.

Spring Jazz Festival
March 27 - 28
Denney Theatre; 4001 Stanford Street
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Warren Sneed
4001 Stanford Street; Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-1960; (713) 942-1967; Fax (713) 942-1968
Music: Big Band, Jazz
Activities: Music festival
The High School for Performing and Visual Arts presents the annual Spring Jazz Festival featuring students enrolled in HSPVA's renowned jazz program and guest artists. Denney Theatre is located on the HSPVA campus, 4001 Stanford Street, in Houston's Museum District (between Alabama and Richmond, two blocks east of Montrose Blvd.) Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Tamuk Jazz Festival
March 27,28
Jones Auditorium; Texas A&M University at Kingsville
Texas A&M University at Kingsville • Music Department
Paul Hageman
MSC 174; Kingsville, TX 78363
(361) 593-2803; (361) 593-2806; Fax (361) 593-2816
Music: Jazz
Activities: Awards show, Concert
The Tamuk Jazz Festival is a competition drawing more than 28 South Texas high school bands representing 3-5A divisions. The $200 entry fee includes a CD recording of the event. Bands compete all day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., concluding with a night performance. Awards presented include "Best All Star Band" and "Outstanding Jazz Soloist." Previous guest performers include Arturo Sandoval, Rich Matteson, Jon Faddis, Dimensions in Blue and Chris Potter. Last year's guest artist was Paquito D'Rivera.

Texas Christian University Jazz Festival 2
March 27 - 28
Ed Landreth Auditorium; University Drive and Cantey Street
Texas Christian University
Curt Wilson
TCU Box 297500; Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7640; (817) 257 6625; Fax (817) 257-5006
Music: Big Band, Jazz
Activities: Music festival
The 32nd Annual Jazz Festival will be held on March 27th-28th, 2009, featuring New York-based jazz tuba artist Howard Johnson. If you are interested in attending our festival, please fill out the entry form and send it to Toni Parker as soon as possible. Twenty-eight (high school and middle school) groups will be selected to participate. The first twenty-eight bands that return the entry form will be selected to perform. The remainder will be placed on a waiting list. The entry fee is $250.00 payable to TCU Jazz Ensemble. This festival will include two performance sites; Ed Landreth Auditorium and the Pepsico Recital Hall. All competition will be on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Awards ceremony on Saturday evening.

Texas Gun & Guitar Show
March 27-29
Hillsboro Civic Center; 1300 Corsicana Highway, Hillsboro, TX 76645
TGG Show/Texas Musicians Museum
Thomas Kreason, promoter/director Texas Musicians Museum
P.O. Box 813; Hillsboro, TX 76645
(254) 580-9780
A one of a kind show, like no other gun or guitar show in the world! This unique event offers exhibits, sales and displays of guitars, instruments, guns, ammo, jewelry, and related merchandise. Live music and a special party and jam on Saturday at Willie Nelson's Place in nearby Carl's Corner. The upcoming March show will feature a display of an actual Chupacabra and live music of the captivating and entertaining tribute bands: Swan Song (Led Zeppelin), BeBe Le Strange (Heart) and the One Percent Band (Lynyrd Skynyrd). Many other special surprises to be announced! You do not want to miss this show!

Walker County Fair
March 27 - April 5
Walker County Fairgrounds; 3 miles west on IH-45/Highway 30
Walker County Fair Association
Jack King
P.O. Box 1817; Huntsville, TX 77342-1817
(936) 291-8763; Fax (936)291-9030
Music: Country
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
The Walker County Fair features live country and western bands, livestock shows, rodeos, and special events, also a barbecue cookoff.

Bancroft Family Concert - Musical Elegance
March 28
Dallas Museum of Art, Horchow Auditorium; 1717 North Harwood, Dallas
Fine Arts Chamber Players
Gae Hatton, Executive Director
3630 Harry Hines Blvd.; Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 520-2219; Fax (214) 521-7558
Music: Classical
Activities: Music festival
Bancroft Family Concert - Musical Elegance is a free live, classical Chamber Music concert, Saturday at 3:00 pm, doors open at 2:30pm. No Admission charge to museum or concert. Fort Worth Symphony's Concertmaster Michael Shih and harpist Naoko Nakamura Stromberg present Saint Saëns' Fantasie for violin and harp, Ibert's Trio for violin, cello and harp, the violin and harp arrangement of Massenet's Meditation from Thaos and Gamal and Abdel-Rahim's Dance of Isis for flute and harp. Michael Shih, Concertmaster, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with Naoko Nakamura Stromberg, harpist, Helen Blackburn, Principal Flutist, The Dallas Opera Orchestra and Gayane Manasjan, cellist.

North Texas GospelGrass
March 28
Garner Baptist Church; Highway 113, 2 miles north of Highway 180 between Mineral Wells and Weatherford
GospelGrass Productions
Earl Bolling, Event Coordinator
1390 Sandy Lane; Weatherford, TX 76088
(940) 682-4474
Music: Bluegrass, Christian
Activities: Music festival
Bluegrass Gospel Music festival, ten bands, jamming, workshops, concessions on site, activities for kids. At the Garner Baptist Church, on Highway 113, 2 miles north of Highway 180 between Mineral Wells and Weatherford. Fun for the Whole Family! 10 am - 10 pm. Free admission. Free Pancake Breakfast at 8:30 am. Concessions on site provided by the Garner Youth Group - chicken 'n dumplings, chili & cornbread, hamburgers. Camping near the church at the Back Acre RV Park. Contact Ken Clary, (940) 682-7701. Featuring Grandpa's Neighbors, Hanks and Company, The Herrins, The Watkins Family, The Anderson Family, SouthWind, Ellis County Bluegrass, Revival Ridge, A Full Quiver and Lottie Collier.

Sabinal Lions Wild Hog Festival and Craft Fair
March 28 - 29
Sabinal City Park & Yellow Jacket Stadium; Sabinal
Sabinal Lions Club
Ross Burris
P.O. Box 233; Sabinal, TX 78881
(830) 988-2709
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Cowboy
Activities: hog catching contest, food, arts-n-crafts, bands
Sabinal Lions Wild Hot Festival and Craft Fair features wild hog catching, arts, crafts, food games and live music. More then a decade ago, the Sabinal Lions Club was looking for a way to raise money for charities, local community needs and the many organizations that they support. That's how the Wild Hog Catching Contest was born and as strange as it sounds, the popularity of this contest has continued to grow each year. All the profits from this "unusual" contest are put back into the community.

Celebration of Life & Music
March 29
Thump Pavilion; 300 Block Davis Street, Downtown Luling
Tom Webb Memorial Scholarship Committee
Trey Bailey / Tori Webb
820 South Oak; Luling, TX 78648
(830) 875-2386; (830) 875-3214; Fax (830) 875-2082
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Music festival
For the seventh 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. This year's event will feature Micky and the Motorcars. Cost of admission is $15 and all tickets will be sold at the door the day of the event. There will be barbecue plates for $7, beer for $3 and sodas for $1. Rain or shine, the concert will be held under the 14,000 square foot Watermelon Thump Pavilion and people from near and far will gather together to celebrate music and assist Texas students. Additional information and an artists' roster can be found at www.celebratetom.com.

City South Festival
March 29
Brooks City Base; Corner of Military Drive at IH-37 South
South San Antonio Chamber
Cindy Taylor
7902 Challenger Drive; San Antonio, TX 78235
(210) 533-1600; Fax (210) 533-1600
Activities: Awards show, Music festival, Cooking Competion, Art Show
City South Festival offers Food, Fun and Drink. Featuring an Iron Chef style student competition, student visual arts show and competition and great music all day. Henry Brun and the Latin Players will perform.