| Texas-size country |
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Mix some good ol' down home country, rock 'n' roll and folk music together. Melt some bluegrass in the mix, and generously sprinkle some swing and a whole lot of soul.
And it's not to be confused with regular country music. Sometimes called Americana or outlaw country, this genre of music is delicious and addicting. The sound ranges widely, and some artists are heavily rock or decidedly bluegrass, but it's all one melting pot that can only be found in the Lone Star State. The movement probably is one of the best-kept secrets in local music. Although quickly gaining popularity, there still are some unenlightened folks who say “Who?” at the mere mention of Robert Earl Keen's name. Keen is an icon of the alt-country movement and a prime example of the oft-used cliché “always imitated, never duplicated.” Artists such as Pat Green, James McMurtry and Roger Creager are making country music their own. It's nothing like the stuff you will hear on mainstream country radio, and that's why the chant “Nashville sucks!” often is heard at these concerts. The formerly underground movement is quickly coming above grade with wider publicity. It even has its own radio station and concert series. It's no longer just frat boys with shaggy hair and ratty hats who are sporting Jack Ingram or Cross Canadian Ragweed T-shirts. It's everywhere, at least in South Central Texas, and its followers are dedicated and sometimes obsessed. They travel to well-known dancehalls such as John T. Floore Country Store and Gruene Hall and to lesser-known holes in the wall such as the River Road Icehouse northwest of New Braunfels or the Hangin' Tree Saloon in Bracken. The die-hard fans pack these honkytonks every weekend, and some weeknights, to swig some cold Lone Star, slap their boots down on the sawdust-covered floor and bask in the neon glow. I have been a fan since I was 16 and sneaking through the back fence of Floore's, and my passion for this music won't wane anytime soon. This scene is here to stay. The shows are a “let your hair down” good time, and never a formal affair. Just come as you are in boots and jeans or shorts and flip-flops, and remember to hang on to your hat and have some fun. See y'all there! For outlaw country shows this week: MARCH 21: Jason Boland & The Stragglers at the County Line 10101 IH-10 West,(210) 641-1998, countyline.com MARCH 22: Brandon Jenkins at Rolling Oaks Sports Bar & Grill MARCH 23: Bruce Robison's Acoustic Trio at Gruene Hall MARCH 24: Two Tons of Steel at Floore's Country Store MARCH 25: The Flying Zippers at Tavern in the Gruene Amanda Reimherr | Contributor |
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