Tag Archives: Texas Country

July 4th Fun

The July 4th weekend has to be one of my favorites! Anytime to take off work, focus on time with loved ones, relaxation and being thankful for our freedom is what life is all about! Although, I didn’t go anywhere or do anything super extravagant this weekend, I still had the opportunity to bask in what Arlington and Fort Worth have to offer! Sometimes we just need to relax in the place that we call home (or in my case, my Texas home).

Thursday: Arlington Texas hosts “Light Up Arlington” at Leavitt Pavillion. There are a ton of activities for children, local vendors and food tents. The real kick is the live music on the pavilion followed by the firework show up above. Grab a chair, bring a cooler and some snacks and be ready to start your relaxing Independence Day weekend. Kicker: Just down the road, the Rangers ballpark also has fireworks! Whether you are watching from your car in the traffic that follows or you’re lucky enough to find a spot to watch both – you’re in for a treat!

Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Light Up Arlington, Fireworks

Friday: Whoohooo! Day off from work! The day started early (and hot) with attending the Arlington Independence Day Parade. Get ready – this is a long one! Bring sunscreen and a chair (and if you want to get a good spot, get there early). You will see everything at this parade. High schools, bands, politicians, local organizations, cultural groups, even Elvis’ on motorcycles!
Independence Day, Texas, Arlington, Arlington Idependence Day Parade, Parade,

Friday evening consisted of fireworks in Fort Worth. Talk about a great show but be prepared for a huge crowd. Plan ahead, pick a good spot. This year there were two spots – The Botanical Gardens and Panther Island Pavilion. From where I was, I was able to see both (and forgot my phone). They spaced them about 5-10 minutes apart but were absolutely awesome. Advice – come early and please do not park on the side of the highways (those people are crazy). Find a safe spot!

Saturday: When thinking Fort Worth, I’m pretty sure Oyster Bar isn’t on top of your list but I checked out this little hot spot to start off my evening. As soon as I got out of my car, I could smell seafood – brought back memories of vacations in Maine as a kid. Shrimp salad sandwich – so big that I could barely take a decent bite. The Seafood Gumbo is also a thumbs up!
Independence Day, Texas, J&J Oyster Bar, Fort Worth, Sandwich, Shrimp Salad

As mentioned, we are in Fort Worth, am I right?! Fort Worth is the greatest place to experience live music so it’s only natural that it’s incorporated into the weekend! I swung over to Shipping and Receiving in Southside Fort Worth. With a slight breeze in the air and the sun completely set, the temperature was just about perfect for an outdoor show and Hayes Carll always delivers! The fact that we weren’t packed in like sardines was even better. I’ve come to really enjoy this venue. If you haven’t had the chance, swing on by!
Independence Day, Texas, Fort Worth, Shipping and Receiving, Hayes Carll, Texas Country How was everyone’s weekend? I’d love to hear about your travels, stay-cations, food, live music experiences!

TXRDR: Canada, Patton & Eady

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Sunday, April 13th – Reds Roadhouse in Kennedale, Texas held the Texas Red Dirt Roads radio show. The guests were Cody Canada, Courtney Patton and Jason Eady. As always, what a great time.

If you’re into the best music around, great company and a comfortable atmosphere, this is your kind of event. Each Sunday from 3-6pm, tune in or better yet just show up and spend the afternoon in one of the best ways one can.

Courtney Patton started off the show. If you haven’t heard her, just go ahead and buy a few tunes off iTunes. No need to YouTube. Trust me. ‘Twisted’ is a favorite. Her voice sounds so familiar, that she’s speaking to you, comforting, forgiving, understanding.

And then there’s Jason Eady. Do the same – just go ahead, purchase a few songs. Heck just get the album! ‘Cry Pretty’ – this one should sound familiar. An Air Force veteran, a proclaimed songwriter. Texas should be blessed to have this Mississippi fella!

Did I mention these two are married?!
Then there’s the most popular out of the three (sorry there Courtney and Jason) – Cody Canada. Perhaps you recognize his name from Cross Canadian Ragweed or Cody Canada and the Departed. Lucky for the attendees (and the radio listeners) we were in for a treat at this show. Not only did we get to listen to Cody Canada solo, we also got his two best right hand men to help him on stage, his boys! They did such a great job (and there’s definitely no stage fright in sight).

As Justin Frazell would say “See ya down the road!”

Who is your favorite Texas Country artist(s)?

Front Row and Free

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William Clark Green has been a top contender on my Texas Country list for a while. I love his shows but he seems to just magically appear around Fort Worth. A couple of weeks ago, I just happened to see his name pop up again to open for The Josh Abbott Band at Billy Bob’s, even though he wasn’t listed on their website. Sneaky, sneaky!

Then, I just happened to get free tickets to see the show, at the last minute.
The tickets just happened to be reserved seating, front row, dead center.
If I got any closer I would’ve been hugging the man on stage. Not saying I would’ve had a problem with that…

William Clark Green is amazing live. Ah hell, I’ll just let you have a listen for yourself. You’ve heard me praise him before.

Then there’s this one with Josh Abbott (who was having a ton of fun onstage) – I was one happy girl to hear this song! LOVE!

The Josh Abbott Band on the other hand. Well, the man is amazing or should I say band. He is one of the few performers who was scheduled for two nights in a row at Billy Bob’s – it’s rare. The place was packed. There was a lot of folks with a good taste in music. JAB may be more widely known due to the songs that he writes. They’re trying to bring attention to causes that the majority may over look. His most recent release, She Will Be Free, brings attention to sex traffic crisis in the US – it’s more prevalent than most think. Check out the video.

This is one of my all time favorite Texas Country songs… makes me just wanna two-step!

This turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve been to in a while. Maybe it was the fact that we were so close. Perhaps it was because they were so personable. Good company adds to the mix (and good beer). Texas music – doesn’t get much better! If you have a chance to check out either of these guys (or purchase their album) – I highly recommend it!