The smell of smoked meat and sounds of acoustic guitars fill the air at County Line Bar-B-Q which recently kicked off the seventh year of its Texas live music series.

Every Wednesday night from March to October, music lovers are treated to free concerts from some of Americana's biggest artists.

“Texas music is so big here, and it fit with our atmosphere,” said Mike Crenwelge, general manager of the restaurant. “There is also a lack of things to do in the middle of the week, so we thought it would be a good idea to tap into both markets.”

The shows are free, but all attendees are asked to bring donations of cash, canned items or dry goods. Corporate sponsors help the restaurant pay the bands' fees, but it's all for a good cause.

“It is really just a good time for all ages, but it is also important because it benefits the San Antonio Food Bank,” Crenwelge said.

Last year, the series helped raise $16,000, and thousands of pounds of food were donated.

The series is the only one in the area that features Americana musicians. A small stage off of the restaurant's rock patio has seen the likes of Pat Green, Jack Ingram, Roger Creager, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Terri Hendrix.

“We are really surprised by the success, but it just shows how much people love this music,” Crenwelge said, admitting that the series has turned him into a Texas country music — and especially a Gary P. Nunn — fan.

The shows start at 8 p.m., but many people show up right after work to get a drink, some barbecue and a good seat because the area fills up fast. Each show draws between 400 and 1,200 people who clamor for a barstool on the wooden deck or cram into the standing-room only patio.

Overflow attendees usually mingle in the garage-style party room or the blocked-off portion of the parking lot.

The County Line may be the place to be on Wednesday nights, but it is also quickly becoming popular on Thursdays.

The restaurant has teamed up with KTFM 94.1, formerly Jammin’ 94.1, to put on Throwdown Thursdays for those who prefer a different sound than twangy or folk country.

“It is really getting to be Club County Line here on those nights. I guess we now have something for everyone who needs a weekday pick-me-up,” Crenwelge said.

Amanda Reimherr | Contributor