Having worked in the country music industry for a little more than a decade now, I've been asked a few times to "define" Texas Country/Red Dirt Music.

Every single time, I show them this video of a now-legendary show that happened right in the middle of Northgate. Were you there?



Twenty years ago this year, Cross Canadian Ragweed filmed a live concert DVD at Shadow Canyon (now Shiner Park) in College Station. Not only is it an incredible live set from perhaps the most iconic Red Dirt band of all-time, you also see guest appearances from Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Jason Boland, Stoney LaRue, and Bleu Edmondson during "Boys From Oklahoma."

It's crazy to see these guys not only 20 years younger (yeah, I feel old), but also all together on the same stage. It happens here and there these days, but not like this. To me, this epitomizes the core of Texas and Red Dirt Music: camaraderie, breaking the mold, and just having a damn good time.

I was 17 when this concert happened, so I couldn't have attended. I look at it now and man, I wish I was there. But I honestly used to hate country music at that age. My brother, who was seven years older than me, used to constantly try to get me to listen to these guys, and I wouldn't have it. It took some time, a new job in radio, and an introduction to a band called Uncle Lucius for me to finally realize it was time to dive into this scene known as "Texas Country" or "Red Dirt."

After doing an event in Tyler called Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival for six years, my best friend and I started our own company in 2021 and started Troubadour Festival (you can see my previous post here), which we're bringing to Aggie Park on Saturday, May 20.



Along with being able to sample 34 of the best BBQ joints from all over Texas, we're bringing some awesome old and new country music names to the stage. Midland is headlining, and they'll be preceded by Shane Smith & The Saints (arguably the best live band in the scene today), the legendary Charlie Robison (his only show in the BCS market this year!), Uncle Lucius on their reunion tour (the band that started it all for me), and Treaty Oak Revival (they just PACKED Harry's for their first show there).

We hope y'all can join us! Tickets are going fast (VIP tickets just sold out), and you can buy yours right here.

I'd love to hear who your favorite Texas Country/Red Dirt band or artist is. Let me know and you could win two Troubadour Music tickets to the festival!

Also, congrats to "Corps_Ag12" on winning two BBQ & Music tickets from our last post! Shoot me an email at chase@troubadourfestival.com and I'll get you hooked up.

Cheers, y'all! Check out our sweet lineup video just released!

Turnpike

Charlie Robison and Max Stalling.

I'm going to be that guy with my answers:
Texas - Wade Bowen
Red Dirt - Turnpike

Texas - Charley crockett
Red dirt - great divide/mike McClure

Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers are 1 and 1a for me.

I like Mike Ryan a lot, and I find myself listening to his album "Blink You'll Miss It" again and again.

Mike and the Moonpies deserve some appreciation, too.

Charley Crokett and Seth James. Seth was really red dirt when he played with Cody Canada and the Departed. He's more Delbert Mcclinton now, but I enjoy his music. Also, he's an Aggie!!.....Charley Crockett is awesome.

I saw Trippin' Daisy at Shadow Canyon circa 2000. That was a good time.

Don't have one. Just pick one for me.

Late 90's/early 2000's Cross Canadian set the bar for me.

kwammer said:

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Late 90's/early 2000's Cross Canadian set the bar for me.

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Love the Highway 377 album.
Pat Green's Three Days was pretty good too.
This genre was always great for road trips and floating the river

Not a favorite, but Spotify put them in my daily mix. Wilder Blue. Good playing and harmonies.

Charlie and the Regrets

Pantera

Here's my (old man) review of the musical acts at TF. Overall a great show and every act brought something different.

• Treaty Oak Revival: Didn't know them but I liked what I heard. As much rock as country which is fine with me. Singer was a little nasally but lead guitarist was impressive.
• Uncle Lucius: Expected them to be bluesy and good, and they were. They were also a little trippy which I didn't expect. They were my favorite and I'm glad they're back together.
• Charlie Robison: Looked like he cured his throat issues with biscuits and gravy. Voice sounded like someone who hadn't performed regularly in a few years. Sat down through his performance and burned a heater between songs. Having said that, I loved his set because it reminded me how many great songs he's had. Gave me a lot of great feels from when I first got into Texas country.
• Shane Smith and the (effin) Saints: Hands down, the tightest band of the evening. Great sound with an absolutely killer fiddle player who was prominently featured. This may be an unpopular opinion but I don't love Shane Smith's voice. It's not bad but it's a little breathy and just hits my ear a little off. Still, I can understand why they're popular.
• Midland: Fun performance. I know some people write them off as a hipster act that isn't genuinely country but I like them. They put on a good show, sang all of their songs and did some great covers. I like that they don't seem to take themselves too seriously. They were a great headliner.

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