Entertainer of the Year Nominee - Mike Blakely

Next up for Entertainer of the Year is my dear friend, Mike Blakely. Aside from Entertainer of the Year, Mike also shares the spotlight with his good buddy, Thomas Michael Riley in the Vocal Duo category for their collaboration of Live From Luckenbach.

Mike has made quite a showing on the Texas Music Awards in the past, being nominated for Entertainer of the Year in 2006 and in 2009. He’s also been nominated for Duo of the Year with John Arthur Martinez in 2008 and his album Rarest of the Breed was up for Album of the Year in 2009.

Mike is one of the busiest people I know in the business. When he’s not working on his ranch, volunteering, spending quiet time with Annie or traveling Europe, you can find him at a myriad of venues around his home state.

One place you’ll find him is at the River City Grille in Marble Falls TX for TexAmericana Tuesday Night as well as being there the first Wednesday of every month. His guests include John Arthur Martinez, Thomas Michael Riley and Larry Nye. You just never know who you’ll find on stage with Mike – unless you subscribe to his weekly newsletter.

It’s been a stellar year for Mike. Not only is he nominated for Entertainer of the Year and in the Vocal Duo category with his good buddy Thomas Michael Riley (which we’ll feature tomorrow), but he also became a happily married man. Annie is a part of Mike. They aren't just husband and wife, they’re connected like so few couples seem to be these days. Not only is she one of the sweetest people I have yet to meet, she’s an accomplished photographer and writer in her own right. Check out her page ~ Annie Blakely Through her eyes, you’ll get a rare glimpse of the man many of us are lucky to know personally.

One of Mike’s biggest events every year is FANDANGO. This year’s event at it’s new (and from what I understand – permanent) location, raised over $2,200 for military charities, including Llano Military News, Fisher House, and Hunts For Heroes. The money was raised through the golf tournament, kayak race, and an auction.

You can catch up with Mike on his FACEBOOK fan page and at learn all you ever wanted to know about his vast array of talent at his WEBSITE.

I’ve known Mike for over 15 years and as in any good relationship, I’m always learning new things about him. You can bet if I’m ever in Texas a trip to see him and meet his wife, Annie, is on my list.

Good Luck, Mike!

Country Blessings

Weather Delay

Happy May everyone!

A lot of places across the midwest and southern states have been pounded with heavy rain and severe storms over the past couple of weeks. My little corner of south-central Missouri was no exception. Though we didn't get hit near as hard as a lot of places, it did rain almost continuously for seven days. Thunder and lightening were evident for what seemed 24/7... leaving 17" of rain in it's wake and me without a lot of internet time. No research, no writing, no email...

But the worst of the storms have passed (I hope) and I now have high speed internet at the house -no more boonies dial-up for this country angel! High speed all the time means I can better keep up with everything you guys are doing and report it a lot faster to my growing network of readers and (hopefully) your fans.

I have visitors coming in this week for an extended writers weekend. Then I'll be back to business - better than usual - beginning Monday morning.

In the mean time, check out your favorite artists over at MyTexasMusic and have a great long weekend! Oh, and don't forget... if you haven't made plans to attend Fandango yet, there's still time. All the information you need is in the previous post.

Country Blessings

The Country Angel

FANDANGO!

Man, if you want an awesome Texas music weekend, this is one annual event you DO NOT want to miss! Besides, I need roving reporters to tell me all about it as I won' t be able to make the trip this year. :-)

FANDANGO is only 1 month away so time to make travel plans is running short. Here's all the info you need:

Friday, May 13 - $15.00

Saturday, May 14 - $20.00

Weekend pass - $30.00 (save five bucks!)

Fandango tickets now on sale!

You have two choices: phone, or internet. The internet option requires a $3.00 convenience fee tacked onto the ticket price. No extras fees for the telephone option.

To buy tickets by phone, call the Llano Chamber of Commerce at 325-247-5354. Have your credit card handy. Your tickets will be available at will call at the Fandango.

To purchase tickets on the internet, log onto www.mikeblakely.com and click on the Fandango logo.

On the Fandango page, scroll down to the link to www.outhousetickets.com

(A $3.00 fee is added to the ticket price to purchase on line.)

Fandango Location: Llano River Golf and RV Resort – www.llanorivergolfcourse.com –

located 1.5 miles west of the Llano courthouse on Ranch Road 152.

This facility is perfect for the Fandango. There’s a covered pavilion, so we’ll have no rain worries. The grounds are on the banks of the gorgeous Llano River . Bring your kayaks or canoes. A small dam impounds a nice little lake at the resort. The golf course, RV park, and pavilion are all located together on this stretch of the river. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave!

Camping: The RV slips with full hookups have all been reserved, but not to worry. There are acres and acres available for RVs without hookups, or for tents. No need to call in advance. Simply show up and pay for your camping fee. It’s only $5.00 per person per night.

This is a BYOB event. Coolers welcome. No glass, please. No pets.

Rooms in town:

Call the Llano Chamber of Commerce at 325-247-5354

or go to llanolodging.com

Llano hotels book up early this time of year for various events. The C of C will have tips on B&Bs and available motels.

Also, Cedar Lodge is only 20 minutes away on Lake Buchanan – 512-793-2820.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday – May 12 – Sponsor’s Party. Live music by Mike Blakely and Woody Eastman. Beer, wine and food provided by River City Grille. (If you’d like to be a Fandango Sponsor, reply to this email to inquire. There are perks galore if you’re a sponsor!)

Friday, May 13

10:00 – Golf tournament. Get your 4-man team together for the scramble. Shotgun start. Prizes! This is a fund-raising event in support of U.S. military men and women. Lunch for golfers provided by River City Grille. $40 per player, payable at the Fandango. Let us know if you’re golfing, or need team members.

Friday music, beginning at 5:00:

Jeff “Wild Horse” Posey ( Fort Worth )

John Fullbright ( Oklahoma )

Casey Hubble Band ( Austin )

Mike Siler ( Nashville )

Walt & Tina Wilkins ( Austin )

Susan Gibson (Wimberly)

john Arthur martinez with John Greenberg and Mike Blakely.

Saturday, May 14

11:00 a.m. – kayak races!

Noon – basketball free-throw shooting contest

3:00-5:00 – book signing featuring Texas authors

Saturday music beginning at 1:00 –

Jake Martin (Luckenbach)

Kylie Rae Harris (Stephenville)

Josh Grider ( Austin )

Duke Davis and Buckshot ( Fredericksburg )

Rodney Hayden ( Austin )

The WC Jameson Band (Texas Hill Country)

Courtney Reed (Llano)

Adam Carrol ( East Texas )

Chris Wall ( Austin )

Davin James & The Bullnettle Band (Spring, TX)

Mike Blakely & The Whiskey Traders