HAPPY NEW YEAR - I think

 Good morning, everyone!

I know I've not been here forever, and I won't be here a lot. I made the decision last fall that my two main (moneymaking) jobs have to take priority and that I will get in here as time allows. 

I really do miss the music business so I can't give it up entirely.

I had the pleasure of seeing a dear friend from Texas at a writer's conference last fall. Mike Blakely is such a talent and sweet man . He is a Western author as well as a musician. I've known him for over 25 years yet we see each other so infrequently. He was disappointed to know I was stepping away from the music but completely understood. Being an author takes a lot of time, especially if you are an Indie author. 

I need to publish at least two books this year and that's going to take a lot of time and work. I also have an Etsy shop I re-opened this week. The plan there is to destash a lot of my cumulative art items so others can use them and I can pad the bank account. Bob really wants/ needs to retire. He's been on the river for almost forty years! He needs 'Bob' time where he doesn't have to think in terms of having to go back to work. 

So, please, bear with me as I make this transition. I'll still be reviewing CDs on occasion and interviews here and there. 

I also had a post unpublished by Blogger saying I violated their content policy. I can't for the life of me think of what that might have been, nor do they tell you what the post was. I'll keep an eye on that.

Country Blessings

~ Kelly

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Back to Work

Thank you all for your patience last week. I still don't have any complete resolution to the Unemployment issue but at least I know I wasn't the only one. Apparently, there was a breach issue in four states - Illinois and Colorado being two. While I've never applied for unemployment, I worked for people who paid into unemployment in those states. I just have to keep trying to get through to them. I spent three hours on hold four days in a row last week. My call would be dropped EXACTLY at the 3-hour mark due to a 'large volume of calls'. Gee - ya think!

With that in mind, I'm back to business this week and will continue to try and call them on and off til I get through.



Tomorrow, I'll be posting a review of  ONE TOWN OVER by G. F. Patrick  You saw the title video last week... now it's time to give you a complete review.

I'm also hoping to start letting you know when there are viral concerts you can check out.  I know things are crazy right now and sadly, the restrictions they are talking about for Live shows just takes all the fun out of attending a concert. We will just have to see what happens.

In the mean time, some live shows are beginning to open up.

Mike Blakely has four live shows this week:

Tueday 6/2 -  Western Edge Cellars - Fredricksburg TX 7-9 p.m.

Thursday 6/4 - The Dirty South - Angleton TX 7-9 p.m. NO COVER!

Friday 6/5 - Lone Star Bar & Grill - Fredricksburg TX (3 miles west of town) 7-10 p.m.

                    /w Kurt Baumer & Troy Miller

Sunday 6/7 - Lone Star Bar & Grill - Fredricksburg 3-6 p.m.

I'll try to get some of the Virtual shows up on Thursday. Stay tuned!!!

Country Blessings

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - The Outside Circle

THE OUTSIDE CIRCLE, the thirteenth album from Mike Blakely, takes us on a true Western journey. With his iconic voice Mike treats us to track after track of Cowboy Americana, painting vivid pictures of a gone but not forgotten era. There’s just something about the cowboy life that calls to some part of us. Whether it’s making a hat your own, the way the leather of a saddle feels beneath you or the dust kicked up by a bronc in the rodeo arena there are memories we may or may not ever experience yet we feel as if they’ve been a part of our life.

While Mike has been writing about the western life both in song and fiction novels, he added a little extra spice to this album including three tracks co-written with a real-life cowboy, Damon Rogers. Rogers is a full-time cowboy, buckaroo and horse trainer.

As I listened to this album, I heard a lot of two previous CDs, RIDE THE RIVER and WEST OF YOU (Both Sold Out and no longer available). The first that caught my attention was The Hat Song.  Another, The Ballad of Josiah Wilbarger, had the undertones of The Last Comanche Moon (West Of You cd). There are two hidden tracks that make THE OUTSIDE CIRCLE stand out from Mike’s previous recordings.

While there are many talented musicians on THE OUTSIDE CIRCLE, such as Kurt Baumer (fiddle) Ray Rodriquez ( drums, percussion), Lloyd Maines (steel) as well as Mike Blakely and Walt Wilkins ( guitar) one of my favorites is Julie Carter (Cello) Her haunting opening on The Ballad of Josiah Wilbarger is a pleasant surprise that makes this CD complete.

As writers we often hear the term ‘voice’, meaning how an author strings words together that distinguishes his writing from other pen dancers. Mike Blakely is true to his voice in both songwriting and his novels. You know when you hear the tune or read the story, they were penned by the one and only Mike Blakely without having to see his name on a dust jacket or CD cover. The fact that he brought others on board that compliment his voice shows his true mastery. His textured voice is what keeps bringing me back to his music and his stories. The depth of his storytelling in any form will make you feel as if you are there.

Here's a video for the title track:

I’m tipping my hat:

You can purchase your copy of THE OUTSIDE CIRCLE through Mike Blakely's WEBSTORE

Vist Mike's Webpage or Facebook page to find out where you can catch a life performance. 

REMEMBERING 9/11 - Let's Roll

Let’s roll, America

Let’s roll, over the fields

Let’s roll, roll on to better days

Forever remember the toll

For the flag at half -mast on the pole

To honor a lost hero’s soul

Let’s roll….

                                                                               

                                                                                       Let’s Roll by MikeBlakely

                                                                                                       ~2003 Faded BlueLP

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Keepsake

When I began this blog in February of 2009, I wanted to recognize Mike Blakely for his nomination in the category Entertainer of the Year at the Texas Music Awards. Mike and I have been friends for over twenty years and though we live nearly three states apart, receiving something new from him is like visiting with an old friend. While some artists change their style over the course of their career to reflect the time or a new crowd of listeners, Mike is one of those artists who stays true to who he is. He has an Easy Rambling style that brings comfort to your soul. 

Mike wrote eight of the tracks including one he co-wrote with his wife, Annie. Keepsake is a true love song suited for them. Annie also provides background vocals on the song as well as My Same Old New Mexican Dream, A Town Called Paradise and Don't Send Flowers. Don't Send Flowers is one of my favorite songs on the album. Leave something lasting and beautiful when you move on from this world. The Kids Choir adds to the simplistic beauty.

Aside from Annie's soft vocals, Walt Wilkins and Tina Wilkins lent their harmonies to I Am Nobody while Larry Boyd chimed in on Easy Ramblin' and Moonlight Colorado. A Grown-Ups Choir included familiar artists Woody Eastman as well as Larry & Susan Nye. Kurt Baumer (Fiddle), Duke Davie (Upright Bass), Larry Nye (keyboards and various guitars)  and Shane Lively (Drums) provided great instrumentals. 

Two remaining tracks, Miranda's Warning and The Island With No Name, bring a haunting undertone reminiscent of Night Train and the Moon (In the Dust CD)

Here's a sample of what you'll hear on the CD:

Mike Blakely is a true artist and who knows how stories and music should come together. This is another solid album for Mike Blakely. For consistency and the simplistic beauty, I'm tipping my hat:

WEBSITE    FB      YOUTUBE 

You'll find this and all of Mike's CDs:

STORE    AMAZON

CD RELEASE PARTY! - Mike Blakely

NOTE: I apologize if the picture isn't showing up. Blogger has had issues this week. However, this is the same picture as on my sidebar with Mike and Annie.

You're invited to Mike's

CD Release Party!!

July 1, 2017

BE MY KEEPSAKE

Join Mike Blakely and friends for a CD Release & Listening Party!

Barbecue, beer and wine will be provided. Each attendee will receive a copy of the new CD, "Keepsake," produced by Larry Nye. Please bring one of the following to share: appetizer, salad, side or dessert. Sponsorship levels will help us cover costs, and additional proceeds will go toward Mike's next album!

***Seating is LIMITED and all attendees must have a ticket! Please get your tickets by clicking Register Now

Saturday,  July 1, at Gillespie County Historical Society,

312 W. San Antonio St., in Fredericksburg, TX.

6:00 p.m. - Doors Open

6:30 p.m. - Dinner service begins along with music by Woody Eastman, Nick Verzosa, Stephen K. Morris, and Jeff "Wildhorse" Posey.

7:30 p.m. - CD Debut by Mike Blakely!

General Admission Tickets: $45 and include a copy of the new CD ($15 value).

Keepsake Level Sponsor

$400

2 tickets

6 t-shirts

6 CDs

Program listing

Souvenir Level Sponsor

$300

2 tickets

4 t-shirts

4 CDs

Program listing

Relic Level Sponsor

$200

2 tickets

2 CD

2 t-shirts

Program listing

Can't attend but you'd like to donate?  CLICK HERE

I hope you’ll join us!

           

Mike Blakely | Estrella Vista, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

REVIEW WEDNESDAY on Thursday - A Song To Die For - Mike Blakely

 

DISCLAIMER:
If you are a follower of KellysCounty, you know I have been friends with Mike Blakely for many years. However, when I review something I do give an unbiased opinion. My friends, more than anyone, expect nothing less from me. So without too much of a spoiler alert, here is my review of Mike’s latest book.


A SONG TO DIE FOR is a contemporary novel by Spur-Award winning author Mike Blakely. After having read most of his Western novels, including A TALE OUT OF LUCK, which he co-wrote with Willie Nelson, I looked forward to reading something different. An editor once told me ‘if you can write, you can write anything’. Mike Blakely proves this statement to be a solid truth. This is Mike's second contemporary novel. His first was What Are the Chances (co-written with Kenny Rogers).

As writers, we often hear, ‘write what you know’. Mike knows a bit about the music business. With eleven albums in his discography as well as having written or co-written songs recorded by other artists, he can tell you just about anything you want to know about the business. Mike Blakely came into this project well versed in his subject and that shows in every chapter.

Abbreviated BLURB:
It's 1975 and guitarist and singer/songwriter Creed Mason hopes to ride the new wave of Texas-style, Austin-based country music all the way back to the big time. A one-hit wonder whose Nashville career was cut short by a trip to Vietnam, Creed is desperate to get back into the business. His break arrives when a country legend, Luster Burnett, comes out of a fifteen-year retirement for one last album and tour in order to pay off a huge debt to the I.R.S. As Luster's new guitarist and band manager, Creed jumps at the chance of a lifetime.

Toss in the Las Vegas mob, a Texas Ranger, and an FBI agent.  The two plots move back and forth, each in their own lane before converging into a single climax that makes complete sense. As you read, you’ll notice traits in some of the characters parallel folks in real life.

I read an ‘unproofed’ copy and could not find a single flaw in the mechanics nor the storytelling – another testament to Mike Blakely’s ability as a writer. For the first time in a long time, I held a book in my hands that I hated to see end. Everything was tied up nicely but I did not want to let the characters go. I will remember Creed, Kathy and Luster for years to come. When you carry the characters with you long after you have closed the book, that is the sign of a well-crafted story.

Mike features one of his own songs in the book... Here's the video from YouTube

I am giving this book ….

You can connect with Mike Blakely:

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
YouTube
AMAZON

THE PARTY LIST - September 19-25

HEALTH ISSUES-
Do to a pinched nerve in the left lateral cortex muscle, my computer time is limited. I apologize for lack of links this week but encourage you to google your favorite acts and check out their pages. Lots of good stuff there. You might even find them on previous party lists - links included.

 Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Note dates are subject to change. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out. 

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!


TEXAS

Thursday – 19
Josh Abbott – Banita Creek Hall- Nacogdoches
/w Special Guest: Tyler & the Tribe
Lauren Alexander – East Texas Music Awards – Bullard –
Lauren is nominated in 3 categories:
American/ Folk Band
Female Vocalist
Singer/ Songwriter
Tori Martin – P2 – Wichita Falls – 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Full Band!
Roger Creager – Graham Central Station – Austin
David Cook – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands –
TICKETS

Friday – 20
Pauline Reese – Concerts On the Bay Music Series – South Padre
Josh Ward – Big Texas Dance Hall & Saloon – Spring – 10 p.m.
Roger Creager – Cowboys – San Antonio
Wade Bowen – Hurricane Harry’s – College Station

Saturday – 21
Thomas Michael Riley – Albert Hall – Albert
Exotic Wildlife Assoc. Shrimp Boil
Granger Smith – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches
Josh Ward – San Jacinto Co. Fair & Rodeo – Cold Spring – 11 p.m.
Jack Ingram – Rally Round Greenville – Greenville – 8 p.m.
Lorrie Morgan – The Palace Theater – Corsicana –
Roger Creager – American Bank Center – Corpus Christi
/w comedian Steve Trevino
Wade Bowen – Schroeder Hall – Goliad
Zane Williams – The Lone Star Bar – Midland – 9 p.m.
Shane Howard Band – Circle T. Ranch Arena – Hamilton – 8:30 p.m.
Randy Brown Band – Love and War – Plano – 9 –11 p.m.
Radney Foster Trio – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands
TICKETS

Sunday – 22
Randy Brown Band – Tejas Vaqueros – Leakey – 9.m. – 1 a.m.

Monday – 23
Randy Brown Band – Tejas Vaqueros – Leakey – 9.m. – 1 a.m.

Tuesday – 24
Pauline Reese – Broken Spoke – Austin
Taping for Songwriters Across Texas!
Owen Temple Trio – Superfly Music – San Marcos – 6 p.m.
In-store performance! Cool!
Stefanie Fix – BB Rovers – Austin
Randy Brown Band – Tejas Vaqueros – Leakey – 9.m. – 1 a.m.

Wednesday – 25
Thomas Michael Riley – T-Bone Tom’s – Kemah –
Granger Smith – The Drunken Mule – Commerce
Wade Bowen – Austin Music Hall – Austin


ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 19
Mike Blakely – Route 20 Outhouse – Racine Wisconsin –
The Oak Ridge Boys – Oak Ridge Boys Theater – Branson MO
Zane Williams – Santa Fe Saloon – Salina KS – 8 p.m.
Buddy Case – Winfield Valley Festival – Winfield KS
Competing in International Finger-style Guitar Competition.


Friday – 20
T. G. Sheppard – Hardy Murphy Coliseum – Ardmore OK
Eli Young Band – OK State Fair Park – Oklahoma City OK
Aaron Watson – RC McGraws – Manhattan KS


Saturday – 21
Mike Blakely – The Barn at LaGrange – Elkhorn WI – 7 p.m.
Owen Temple Trio – Illinois River Jam – Tahlequah OK – 7 p.m.
Eli Young Band – New Mexico State Fair – Albuquerque NM
Aaron Watson – Wild Rose – Hays KS
Brian Bax – Valley Park – St. Louis

Sunday – 22

Monday – 23

Tuesday – 24
The Oak Ridge Boys – Oak Ridge Boys Theater – Branson MO



Wednesday – 25
The Oak Ridge Boys – Oak Ridge Boys Theater – Branson MO
Roger Creager – Sticky Fingerz – Little Rock AR

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR - nominee - Mike Blakely

We are on the downhill slide to the Texas Music Awards in Linden Texas. The awards will take place at the Texas Music Barn Saturday March 23rd. News on Facebook this morning is there is to be a parade on Saturday morning to kick off the 11th annual event.

So this week I will be introducing you to the nominees for Entertainer of the Year.

MIKE BLAKELY is one of the most talented men on the planet. Yes, that's a personal opinion. I'm allowed. Mike and I have been friends for over twenty years. I have him and W.C. Jameson to thank for introducing me to Texas music.

Mike first appeared on the Texas Music Awards nominee list in 2005 with his (then) band - The Whiskey Traders for Vocal Duo/ Group of the year.  Mike also appeared in the Vocal Duo/ Group category two other times... with john Arthur Martinez (2008) and Thomas Michael Riley (2011).

He was first nominated for Entertainer of the year in 2006 and has appeared in this category FIVE times (counting this year).

If you check out Mike's page at My Texas Music you'll find a complete list of his albums... including many available for immediate download. (also two of his earlier albums that are ONLY available as a download)

When not traveling the country to perform for his fans, Mike and his lovely wife, Annie, open their barn (Tin Roof Tavern) on the Seven Stars for the occasional old-fashioned get together complete with potluck and BYOB.

Mike is also an award-winning author, with seventeen books in print, including one he co-wrote with Willie Nelson. We are all anxiously awaiting a story he co-wrote with Kenny Rogers (set to release soon) as well as a music business novel set in the 1970s. His fingers never still, he's now working on a novel about the Mexican War in the 1840s.

Like there isn't enough to fill the hours Mike, along with his wife and their friend Woody Eastman,  started booking Music/ Wine tours through their new business venture, Lone Star Wine & Music.

Entertainer of the Year? You bet. All around talented individual? Absolutely. A good ol' boy from Texas? They don't come much better.

Country Blessings!
Kelly

YOU PLAY MY HEART - Review

YOU PLAY MY HEART is the tenth album in a series of masterful creativity by John Arthur Martinez. Like any series, this compilation shows how his artistry has grown over time. The thirteen-track CD is full of pride, pasion and compassion.

The album opens up with a powerful story of love and devotion in You Don’t Mean To Hurt Me (with Pauline Reese) and carries the passion throughout the album. With the first notes in Cajita de Milangros you know jAm has reached back to his roots. From the haunting background of Emmylou’s Guitar to the story of strength in Dare To Dream Out Loud, jAm takes you on a tour of what’s inside of this quiet yet passionate man.

He’s added a touch of love and heartache in I Know How To Fall and Tennessee Left Texas and revisits a classic Merle Haggard tune in Sing Me Back Home. Any artist worth his salt knows you can’t go it alone in this business. The respect he’s garnered shines in the co-writing with Wake Eastman, Mike Blakely and Jan Landry (Apache Songs) to name just a few who've lent their talent to the lyrics. The amazing musicians and back vocals, all talented artists in their own right, are too numerous to mention. Grab a copy of the CD and you’ll see what I mean. And it’s all been pulled together for our listening pleasure with the help of Casey Hubble, Kurt Baumer, David Helms and Stefano Bertolotti.  This collection comes from his heart and he wants to touch yours.

This Country Angel gives the album 5 HATS

You can purchase your copy (and any of his other CDs)  by clicking HERE. It will soon be available at My Texas Music

Need something to get through the week?

It has been just crazy here the past week while I fast-cleaned the house before my in-laws arrived. Note, I did NOT say 'deep cleaned'. But that's where my time has been. They are here. Mom and I are sharing the dining room table to work on respective projects so I'm not losing too much work time during their visit.

Rather than the usual post today I thought I'd share a couple of events you might want to catch this week.
If you're in the Fredricksburg TX area tonight - Thomas Michael Riley will be at Hondo's on Main starting around 7:30. It's a going away party for Mark Foshee. A final bash among friends before Mark moves to Georgia.

Tomorrow night, head on over to Llano TX where my good friends W.C. Jameson and Mike Blakely will be  performing at the Badu House from 8-10 p.m. They will be joined by legendary performer Terri Hendrix and  award-winning record producer Lloyd Maines.

Lastly, if you're in the Forth Worth area on Friday night, stop in at The Mule Pub to catch Randy Brown with special guest Steve Helms. They'll be playing from 9:30p.m.-12:30.

Party Hard, Be Safe, Have Fun and..
Country Blessings!
Kelly

Concerts and Events - Week of July 16th

All engagements listed are as I receive them from the performers newsletter or direct chat. Clicking on their name will send you to their website for updated information.

DIMITRI'S RAIL

Wednesday July 18 - concert pub north
Saturday July 21 - dynamo bbva compass stadium
Saturday July 28 - curtain club - dallas tx

RANDY BROWN
Tuesday July 17 - Railhead Smokehouse (with Cody Johnson) - Willow Park TX 7:30-10:30
Friday July 20 - 76th Scurry Country Rodeo Dance - Snyder TX 9-midnight
Sunday July 22 - Hullabaloo Diner (with Amos Staggs) - College Station TX 6-8 p.m.

MIKE BLAKELY
Thursday July 19 - The Badu House (with Woody Eastman) - Llano TX  7p.m.

And while Mike and I have your attention, have you heard about the AWESOME  cruise coming up in February 2013? Wow! Here's the info you need:
Our trip is a 5-night cruise to Cozumel, sailing from Galveston on the new Carnival ship, Triumph.  Prices start at $520, which includes all meals.  And... if you attended our last music cruise, you will get another $50 per person off your fee!  Mike Blakely, john Arthur martinez, Kim Carson, Sonny Lemaire, and ED BRUCE!  Fun at sea, and live music, too!  For more details, here's the LINK 


 To book your cabin, email mike@texasmusiccruises.com.




THOMAS MICHAEL RILEY
Saturday July 21 - Night in Old Fredricksburg - Fredricksburg Market Place - 9 p.m.

There's still time to get your tickets and hotel reservations for the Red-Neck River Music Festival. July 27th and 28th at Buckhorn Lake Resort - Kerrville TX Other performers include Tommy Alverson, Chris Wall and Brian Burns. Click on Tommy's link above for all the details!

Tommy will also be participating in the Fall Music Cruise September 22nd - 29th. Click on Brian's link for the information.

Party hard, Keep it Safe and...
Country Blessings!

Out of the Chute with Mike Blakely

A little about Mike:
He’s “just plain brilliant,” according to John M. Greenberg, singer/songwriter and Blakely’s friend of 13 years. “…He is as gifted of a novelist as he is a songwriter.” 

 At age 52, Mike Blakely has written 16 novels and released 11 albums of original TexAmericana music. Blakely draws on his own experiences, other people’s stories, or even just the twist of a phrase to fuel his songwriting. Mike, who plays guitar and mandolin, says he finds inspiration in all kinds of places.

Blakely grew up in Wharton County, Texas, where he learned the cowboy ways. These days, on his Seven Stars Ranch in Llano County (which is for sale if anyone is looking), Blakely still clings to his country roots. He has always wanted to live in the country, have his own place, be his own boss, and hunt and fish. “I’m living the dream,” he said. “And I get to do two things I love to do to make a living.”

Let’s throw open the Chute!

This was the Tenth Anniversary for the Texas Music Awards. You first appeared on the nomination list in 2005 for Vocal Group of the Year with The Whiskey Traders. You’ve since been nominated in a variety of other categories for other collaborations as well as a single artist, including  your fourth nomination for Entertainer of the Year. Last year you were presented with the ‘My Texan Award’. What does it mean to you to be involved with the Texas music community and the Academy?

It’s always an honor to be recognized with a nomination by the Academy. As for the Texas music community, it has given me some of my favorite moments in life, and introduced me to some of my very best friends.

When I interviewed you last, I asked about your musical influences. You listed people like Marty Robbins and John Hiatt. What is it about their music that influences you?

I liked Marty’s western flare as a writer, and of course his golden voice. John Hiatt has an inventive songwriting style that appeals to me. Anyone who can get away with rhyming “Queen of Sheba” with “amoeba” in a song earns my admiration!

You are not only known as a talented musician but for your writing, as well. You have several westerns, including Summer of Pearls which won the 2001 Spur Award, a non-fiction: Forever Texas- The Way Those Who Wrote It Lived It, the collaboration with Willie Nelson – A Tale Out of Luck and have a recipe in The Ultimate Chili Cookbook. You are due to release not one but two books this year.

The first is your collaboration with Kenny Rogers. Can you tell us a little about the book, ‘What Are the Chances?’ 


My co-write with Kenny is my first non-western novel.  It’s a music business story set in 1975.  It also has a gambling element, for obvious reasons.  Our fictional characters invent the Texas Hold ‘Em phenomenon.  There are several other plot lines, too.  I don’t want to spoil all the surprises.

Your other book to look for soon is called ‘The Pounders’. What is it about?


It was great fun to write a non-western about being in a band.  So much so that as soon as I finished the collaboration with Kenny Rogers, I wrote my own novel about a band in the 70s.  It will be called “The Pounders.”  That’s also the name of the band in the novel.  It should be out in 2013, if everything stays on schedule.

Can you give us a sneak peek into your next writing project?
I am just now getting started on a big, historical novel about the Mexican War.  This will require a lot of research, but I’m glad to have the contract to write the book.

Thanks for joining me on Kelly’s Country today, Mike. I know you’re very busy and your time is sincerely appreciated.

Entertainer of the Year nominees - the list begins

Because we are on the final countdown to Saturday night’s festivities, I’m going to spotlight the nominees for Entertainer of the Year.

This does not mean there isn’t awesome talent in the other categories. There are! And as this blog grows and I’m able to get into the nominees earlier, my ultimate goal is to give every one of them their turn at the Country Angel Spotlight. For now, let’s begin this week’s roll call in the order by which they are posted on the Texas Music Awards nominees’ page.

Today, we’re talking about Mike Blakely. Y’all know how I feel about Mike. He has been a dear friend for over twenty years, long before I realized what a pull Texas music had for me. By spotlighting Mike today, I’m also going to be able to touch on some of the nominees in other categories because Mike has worked with so many of them over the years.

Let’s start with the fact he has worked with nearly every veteran in the Texas music industry. In fact, he has worked with two out of his four competitors for this award. Pauline Reese served up harmony vocals on the Ghost Town Council CD… a compilation of several multi-talented artists. The other is his buddy, John Arthur Martinez. Mike and John have co-written together several times and were up for Vocal Duo in 2008 for their ‘Blakely- Martinez’ album.

Another from the list is Jeff Posey. Jeff is nominated for the Academy Award of Distinction for the Mighty Rider album.

Growing up, my mom always told me “you’re judged by the company you keep.” If that’s true, than Mike is keeping company with some of the best in the business and is being judged accordingly by repeatedly joining them on the Texas Music Award nominations list.

Country Blessings, my friend.

A New Year... A New Format

Between internet connections faulting at every turn last year and a couple of personal issues, this blog got away from me. I sincerely apologize. It is not what I want from this little Texas retreat in the south central Ozarks of Missouri.

What I do want is to showcase awesome talent out of Texas, spotlight classic country and keep you informed of what's going on. I've been dubbed the 'trusted on-line voice of Texas music' and feel I've let the hat slide. Picture me more as the Senator from Best Little WhoreHouse in Texas with his hat askew as he performs that song and dance number in the capitol building.

So let's put the cowboy hat on straight and get back to business.

First off...

The Texas Music Awards are a lot earlier this year. It's the 10th Annual Texas Music Awards and it's going to be outstanding! You can check out the nominees list HERE.

I'm glad to see Ryan Murphey up for Male Vocalist of the Year. He has done a lot of background stuff but has a great voice. Comes by it naturally, don't you know.

Pauline Reese is up for Female Vocalist this year. In the history of the awards, she's the only Female to win Entertainer of the Year (2010). She's nominated again this year as well as Album of the Year. I'm happy to see Bob Livingston and Michael Hearne up for Singer/ Songwriter of the Year.

Award of Distinction category this year has a well-known name in the field - Jeff Posey.

Entertainer of the Year is full of Top ranked talent, as always. But I have to ask... What do I have to do to see Mike Blakely take home that well-earned award? Oh yeah... VOTE!

And you can vote, too. Either by Public Ballot or as a Academy Member. The latter distinction has two categories... either entertainer or fan. Just go to this PAGE and click on the appropriate link.

Here's to another great year of some of the best music you'll hear anywhere!

Country Blessings

Kelly

Looking Back

When I think Texas music, I not only think of the current artists I listen to like W.C. Jameson, Mike Blakely, Thomas Michael Riley and Jake Martin to name a few, but the good ole boys like Willie Nelson, Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. But last week, another group came to my mind and I began searching for them. They were moderate chart artists with MCA back in the early 1980's. James and Michael Younger.

If the name doesn't ring a bell, don't feel bad. A lot of people don't recognize them. But they were two of my favorite people - well, their entire band, The Younger Brothers (until a conflict with another band came about). Nothing But the Radio On was one of their bigger songs. Country station call-letters were dubbed into the lyrics on records (remember those) sent out to radio stations across the country.

I first met the guys in Baton Rouge LA in 1982 at a little place called Texas Dance Hall. Always having a knack for getting back stage, the guys gave me a brief interview. I wrote articles on the guys for local papers where ever they were to perform and caught them on the road several times over the course of their career.

Then I put my budding freelance career on hold to be a full-time mom and the guys dropped off the recording radar soon after. Often times over the past twenty years I've wondered 'where are they now?'. I even played a couple songs of theirs to Mike Blakely because his music reminded me a lot of them. James (Williams) Younger and Mike Blakely are both extremely talented song writers and their styles are similar. I thought it would be cool if I could get them together sometime. I'm still waiting.

So last week I did the Google thing again. This time I came up with a lead. Not only did I find James and Michael but that they had a Texas music life before MCA picked them up as a country band.

For now, I'll leave you with this thought and see if it rings a bell...

The Playboys of Edinburg (Texas, not Scotland).

Country Blessings

Kelly

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

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