April - Texas Music Events Calendar 2012

The 2012 TMEC lists more than 500 annual events featuring live music. To update listing information for your 2012 event, please contact the Texas Music Office at music [at] governor.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-6666.

For a listing of Texas live music venues, please click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas Tech/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival
April 20-21
Hemmle Recital Hall at Texas Tech University; 18th Street and Boston Avenue
Texas Tech University School of Music
Stephen Jones, Director of Jazz Studies
Mail Stop 42033; Lubbock, TX 79409-2033
(806) 742-2270 ext. 260; Fax (806) 742-2294
Music: Big Band, Jazz
Activities: Awards show, Music festival
The Texas Tech/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival is a 2 day annual event featuring high school jazz bands and special guest artists from around the nation. The Friday April 1st evening concert features student Jazz Ensembles of Texas Tech University, and the Saturday night concert features special guest jazz trumpet artist WAYNE BERGERON, direct from Los Angeles, with the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble 1. Mr. Bergeron is one of the leading jazz trumpet artists of today, and this year's concert promises to be an exciting and inspiring one. Please see our brochures for more information at: "http://www.depts.ttu.edu/music/SOM/downloads/2010/JAZZ11Info.pdf

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

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

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

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

Ben & I Play for Peace
April 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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