North Texas State Fair & Rodeo
2217 N. Carroll Blvd.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 387-2632
(940) 382-7763 fax
EMAIL US
North Texas State Fair & Rodeo
2217 N. Carroll Blvd.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 387-2632
(940) 382-7763 fax
EMAIL US
Brison Bursey grew up in Quanah, Texas, one of those faded towns that Larry McMurtry has written about so well, the sort of town where Jacy’s still the prettiest girl in town and Sonny’s still taking it on the chin. Quanah’s on US-287, eighty miles from Wichita Falls, the nearest town of significant size, and it’s named after Quanah Parker, the last Comanche chief. But if the kids in McMurtry’s fictional version of nearby Archer City grew up on the last-run picture shows, the kids of Brison Bursey’s Quanah grew up watching MTV and dreaming of producing their own music videos. Still, it wasn’t until Brison saw Cross Canadian Ragweed live that he thought it might actually be something he could do. Eight years, a few hundred shows of his own, and one $99 Esteban guitar later (purchased with his father’s credit card), the only thing faded about Brison Bursey is his blue jeans.
Three years ago, the Brison Bursey Band released its debut album, “Bigger Sky,” a jaunty mix of Texas country and Southern rock, heartbreak ballads and three-part harmonies. And you’ll still find those same qualities on “Expectations and Parking Lots,” the band’s second release, but too you’ll hear an artist pushing at the limits of genre, a musician who draws from country, indie, pop, even gospel. Brison’s been listening to a lot of Ryan Adams these days, but you’ll also hear the influence of Steve Earle, Todd Snider, Old Crow Medicine Show, Pete Yorn, and, of course, Cross Canadian Ragweed.
For “Expectations and Parking Lots,” Brison’s joined once again by Robert Morton on bass, a steady presence who has been with Brison from the beginning. The band has added Justin Moore on guitar and harmonies (he also handles some of the co-songwriting duties with Brison), and Derrick Watkins, a long-time friend, on percussion. It’s a band that always seems to be on the road, from one venue to the next, and it’s slowly but steadily building a base of fans who know the best part of the Brison Bursey Band is seeing it live. With Brison’s distinctive voice and the band’s relentless energy and more than a few opportunities each night for “a holler ‘n a swoller,” the band never disappoints.
“Being on the road has pros and cons but our band loves to travel and go from city to city,” Bursey said. “It’s a different experience because at live shows you get to interact with the people that enjoy your music and what you’re doing. It’s rewarding to get to play in new places and to meet new people.”
Billboard said, "It's an almost unheard-of feat in the country community for
an Independent label act, much less a brand new artist, to go toe-to-toe with the majors and score a top 10 hit." Yet Mark McGuinn did with his smash "Mrs. Steven Rudy;" the first time in over 40 years a new artist, on a independent label, had done. After three successful releases, the label ceased, removing Mark out of the public.
"This was a blessing," states Mark, "It allowed my focus on family and songwriting."
The initial result: his self-penned top 10 song, for Lonestar, "Unusually Unusual" and more songs for his last project, "One Man's Crazy" . USA Today wrote, "It is hard not to root for an underdog who is this winningly optimistic." Uncle Kracker agrees, including a Mark McGuinn written song on his album release, "Happy Hour."
Infectious, creative melodies and a voice that resonates like James Taylor, Mark McGuinn brings the music that transends all genres.
Kyle Park writes and sings country music in a style said to resonate deep in the yearning hearts of Texans. Yet, no matter how hard times are for the broken-hearted there burns candle of hope that emanates from the strings of his guitar. Sometimes cool, sometimes crisp, at times irreverent but always powerful, the moving sounds of this Austin, Texas native carry his country listeners like thunder across the plains.
Kyle Park is no stranger to country radio and has hit the top charts in Texas. He has toured cross-country and opened for or teamed up with many great music acts such as Asleep at the Wheel, Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt, Gary Allan, Pat Green, Jack Ingram, Randy Rogers and Eli Young. Kyle Park always strives to maintain a balance between consistent recording and consistent touring, always serving up a fresh ration of country music for his fans.
Local Denton musician, Ben Smith comes from the farmlands of the Red River Valley. As a youth, Ben was injured when a tractor flipped over pinning him to the ground, entangled in a barbed wire fence. Ben escaped what could have been serious injury with only scrapes and bruises but the experience gave him a deeply felt gratitude for the experience of living.
Ben found this same verve for living in the chords of his guitar that resonated through his body along with the singing voice that went down the road with him in his daily travels through the countryside. He developed his style over long and monotonous miles in a truck with no radio not thinking he was the path to becoming a great musician. On the contrary, fame and fortune were never the driving force behind this talent, rather the simple pleasure of creating an atmosphere with his music that resonates with the surrounding world and transforms the listener.
Ben has honed his music skills playing in college town venues while earning his degree in forestry at Texas A&M. He has behind him a long list of venues across the State of Texas and beyond including MusicFest in Steamboat, Colorado and television appearances including Country Music Television’s (CMT) Next Superstar.
So “making it big” is on the way for Ben Smith, but the true value of his experiences comes from the spirit of transcending the listener from a mundane or painful reality to attitude of gratitude and joy in living.
Matthew Slovacek's first memory of singing was when his mom video taped him singing the National Anthem when he was 5 or 6 years old. There is not a day since, that he doesn't sing something. He always knew that music was going to be a big part of his life, coming from a very musical family. Matthew's father always played the guitar, and his mom, the piano, and both of them have GREAT voices to go with it. When Matthew moved off by himself in his Sophomore year of College,he started teaching himself how to play the guitar. The first song that he learned to play and sing together was "God of Wonders" by Third Day. Since the age of 16 Matthew had sung in church, leading the youth band in male vocals, so that song just came really natural for him to learn. During the first few months of learning the guitar, Matthew started getting his feet wet in writing music. Over the next year, he had written over 30 songs, and started playing regular gigs around Denton, TX (mostly on fry street) The next big thing for Matthew was starting a band, called, "2nd Floor Request" which consists of rythm guitar, drums, bass, electric guitar, and piano. Since April of 2010,2nd Floor Request hasbeen building a very strong fan base around the Denton, DFW area, and are only planning on getting bigger. Matthew Slovacek strives to make it to the top, and by the way things are going, that is all he sees in the future and looks forward to what lies ahead.
Hailing from Krum, Texas, Cody Chance has a distinctive voice and a talent for entertaining people. A fun loving and humorous song-writer, Cody moves his audience to enjoy his passion for music.
As a youngster, Cody always had a hunger for country music even when friends were big on heavy metal and hip hop. Cody’s heroes were big names like Hank Williams, Jr and Randy Travis, and Texas favorites such as Chris Knight and Guy Clark.
Cody has music in his blood. His granddad was a professional who played with Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings and taught Cody some basic foundation elements which would soon develop into his own style. Cody learned quickly and played extensively for a couple of years, then decided to break from such a rigorous schedule and focus on his skills emerging into a more refined singer and writer. Today, Cody is seen in venues all over Texas, playing something from nearly every genre but with roots running deep in Texas country.
Barret Turner is 19 years old and started playing in his home basement in Highland Village, Texas at the age of 13. He started by just teaching himself how to play the guitar and writing songs about situations in his life. After graduating from High School, Barret moved to Austin to expand his music career. He hooked up with a recording studio called Lave Studio owned by Bryan Anderton and Associates. Barret is in the process of recording a CD with the great musicians, bassist Jimmy Pettit, guitarist Bryan Anderton, and drummer Rob Schilz. When the fall season starts he will be going to MediaTech for schooling to enhance his music.
Mixing red dirt with hard rocking southern soul, Matt Wayne captivates audiences and sends them rising to their feet with hearty ovations. This is what makes him a regular opener for the great names in Texas Country Music.
He never wanted to be the indistinguishable guitar waving songster in a sea of red dirt. He draws from a diverse range of influences both on stage and in the studio where he has produced two albums. He swirls sweat and grit into an organic mixture that is polished but never glossed over, never synthetic, not the tinseltown sound of every quaint avenue corner calling itself country.
Matt Wayne has performed in venues throughout Texas and opened for favorites such as Bleu Edmondson and Jason Boland and many, many more.
Matt’s sound is a rare formula with an undercurrent of Southern rock crowned with Texas country that moves the listener’s heart and shakes the ground under their feet.
Mike Ryan is a North Texas based singer-songwriter with a timeless voice, stunning vocal range and inspiring talent on the guitar. His mature voice and genuine lyrics stops first time listeners in their tracks.
Winner of songwriter competitions, Mikes songs are heard on the radio and in clubs throughout the area. His songs climb the Texas Music charts and echo in over 200 dance halls a year.
Mike is educated and easy going with musical influences that are as vast and varied as the musicians that flow through North Texas’ eclectic music community. He is a genuine guy with exceptional talent and the vision to surround himself with top-of-the-line musicians. He’s the “guy next door with the wow factor!”
With the strength of his guitar and vibrant voice, as well as the wisdom to organize and maintain the support of a great band, Mike Ryan has built the foundation for a lasting career in country music.
Colby Yates would never be called a rhinestone cowboy. He's more what you'd call a renaissance cowboy…a real cowboy. So on stage with guitar in hand, Colby brings an authenticity that few can match.
Partnering with Nashville's greatest songwriters, riding bulls and working on his Hopkins County ranch, this Fort Worth native lives the life that country music is all about. He demonstrates a quality touch and a fantastic ear. Listening to his voice and hearing his passion for music, it's hard to imagine how Colby can also master ranching and professional bull riding. Maintaining time with his family means he often brings them along with him, sharing all the time what it is to love and to be loved.
Colby's wife Katie is a med student as well as mom, helping with bumps, bruises or broken bones and serves to be the backbone of support for this cowboy musician's busy life. Colby is her "first and best patient" and she is his all-around hand and biggest fan.
Don't miss Colby Yates' new CD, "Right Amount of Renegade", which will be released this year.
For Luke Kaufman, Chris LeDoux set the standard for what “Cowboy Music” should and could sound like, winning over cowboy and non-cowboy fans all across the country through the entirety of his career. Luke knew music was his passion. He started out paying his dues playing behind rodeo arenas and in parking lots for his friends and family after rodeos and bull ridings across the Southeast. After high school and through college, his passion for music stayed the same, and from then on things really picked up for the Carolina Cowboy. In 2008, Luke Kaufman teamed up with Sunny Ledfurd, a North Carolina artist who had put out a record for the PBR(Professional Bull Riders) a few years prior and was well in with the cowboy world and understood the type of music that Kaufman wanted to make, and Ledfurd didn’t mind breaking rules to do it. In January of 2010, “Cowboy Baller”, Luke’s first album, was released with the help of Ledfurd Recurds and has swept the rodeo and bull riding world. The music can be defined as, true cowboy songs that are coming from the perspective of a real-life cowboy. All the songs from the album are first-hand accounts from Kaufman’s life as a cowboy. Luke has shared the stage with well-known songwriters from Nashville to PBR Superstars such as Justin McBride and Colby Yates. One thing is for certain, you’ll be hearing Luke Kaufman’s music in and around the rodeo and bull riding world for years to come.
Brian Houser was born on March 30, 1958 in St. Louis, Missouri. But, his roots grew deep in the country as he was raised in the rural Missouri countryside, just south of the city near the town of Antonia. The youngest of four children born to Brant and Jane, Brian grew up in a small house that his parents built with their own hands. Brant and Jane Houser were both actively interested in music and always had a wealth of instruments around the house while the children were growing up. This opportunity for musical exploration, combined with the musical interests of his older brother Doug, were to be the seeds that later would germinate into a musical career for Brian. In 1975, Doug took Brian to a Kris Kristofferson concert. This event was a turning point musically for Brian as he finally found a form of country music that spoke openly, honestly, and artistically about life and living. This would open the door to other legendary favorites, most notably Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. (Pegasus News release)
Brian Burns has, for many years, been regarded as one of Texas top performing songwriters, his work having been covered by a number of legendary artists. But over the past few years, Brian has emerged as one of his state's most powerful and engaging performers. His songs explore both the poignant and the humorous sides of humanity, drawing out the things weve all felt and wish we could have said. The warmth, wit, and eclecticism of his performances captivate audiences night after night.
Brian grew up in Central Texas listening to the western ballads of Marty Robbins and the progressive country music of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Early on, he developed an appreciation for musical depth, along with a knack for the story. Brians Texas roots remained an integral force in his life and work. Music is not a choice I made, I believe the choice made me.
Texas Country music veteran, Tommy Alverson has been making music for decades, yet his popularity is still growing. He has the Lone Star state of mind, and sound. The Fort Worth Weekly declares, “If there is such a thing as Cowtown country music’s elder statesman, he’s it.”
Alverson has been hanging around with great Texas songwriters since his high school days. He has won more Country Music awards and played with more well know names that we could start to mention here. Many acquaintances go back to the beginnings of their music careers. You might call him a late bloomer, career-wise, as he was well into his 50’s when he really began to get recognition. It was in 1999, with the release of Me on the Jukebox, that Alverson was able to quit his 30 year gig at Miller Brewing Company and focus solely on his brand of country song with clever twists on favorite subjects.
Although Alverson is indeed “Country to the Bone” (title of his most recent release), he says he would rather be known as an “all over the map” artist than simply a traditional country performer, sporting musical influences that span a wide range of time and geography. Alverson recently traveled to France to perform at Country Rendez-Vous, one of Europe’s largest country music festivals. Elder statesman or ambassador, Tommy Alverson is a true Texas classic.
The incomparable sound of Scotty Thurman and the Perfect Trouble Band ranges from slow, hold me close dance tunes to hard-core, red dirt Texas country, infused with rock ‘n’ roll. Each one of The Perfect Trouble Band members are definitely a key part of what makes their shows so great and unforgettable. Each one having their own individual stage presence, you can’t take your eyes off them. One can’t help but be in awe and immediately fall in love with their unique brand of music.
Scotty Thurman, of Gainesville Texas, grew up on outlaw country music and fell in love with it. He started singing in the army. Shy about singing in front of people, he was brought out of his shell when his friends put him on the spot at a local club. The crowd loved it and so did he. Shortly after he was out of the army, he had life changing brain surgery that left him partially paralyzed. He never stopped loving music and re-taught himself how to play guitar. His amazing voice and powerful songwriting stand out amongst all others, drawing the crowd into the feeling and emotion each song evokes.
Matt Beaver, of Muenster Texas, plays drums with the passion and energy of legends and with his fun-loving personality, you never get a chance to walk away. He started playing when he was 9 and would sit in his room obsessively playing to the radio until he was 16 years old. He then started playing drums with his friends and decided this is what he wanted to do. He has played with such bands as Only In Texxas and The Johnny Fred Band, before joining the Perfect Trouble Band. His music has been inspired by punk rock, alternative rock and Red Dirt Country.
Jason Eldred of Muenster Texas and originally from Nocona, Texas, takes his bass playing to a whole new level. With his perfect timing, he’s like a train barreling through, creating the perfect rhythm and backbone to every song. He has been playing for over 18 years now, with his wealth of knowledge and love of music starting at home, with his mother. Darrell Dodd, Tommy Alverson and Kevin Fowler are just a few of his favorites and influences.
Shawn Scheller, lead guitarist out of Bellevue Texas, taught himself and has been playing guitar now for over 20 years, in all genres of music. He’s played with the likes of the Bois D’Arcs, Uncle Rummy & Gobble Holler Symphony, just to mention a few. His infectious guitar riffs are unbelievable, with his rock roots infused into the unique sound this band has. You can’t help but take notice when he plays. Influences range from Van Halen to Robert Earl Keen to Waylon Jennings and just about everyone and everything in between.
Johnson County native & North Texas music vet Joey Green showcases his music like none before him. With heart-on-his sleeve, Joey creates music on his own terms. After two full band records and nine years of touring, The Joey Green Band feels at home, deep in the heart of North Texas. Their penchant for song selection and instrumental creativity help make this band a winner from the first hook. Cocky at times, of course. Full of Rock n Roll Swagger, you bet. Darkness and rage, why not. The Joey Green Band lays it down thick and their music takes off on a path all its own. The band offers it all with the bluesy, backwoods stomp of “Natchitoches Blues”, a personal ode to Joey’s father's Cajun upbringing down in the swamps of Louisiana along with all-explosive playlists. One can only wonder how long it will be before radio finds out about these young, obscure, and highly talented artists.
Their songs already hav the critics and Fort Worth hipsters buzzing. One listen to their musical depth will have you unable to classify this sound, a definite nod to dynamic songwriting and rascally-rocking vocals, which grab you on and refuse to let go. Joey Green, a native of rural Joshua, Texas, has logged over 250,000 miles cris-crossing Texas and Oklahoma, releasing his own brand of Red Dirt country rock. Many country superstars come from the Johnson County hotbed, a fertile breeding ground for Texas' talent.
Performing over 100 acoustic dates and over 100+ full band shows a year with this power-pop-meets-honky-tonk 4 piece band, Joey Green is quite possibly the best underground singer/songwriter in the state of Texas.
A Texas Native, Granger Smith started off as a self taught musician and honed his craft with years on the road, apprenticing and recording in Nashville, and developing as a musician which took him on three tours to Iraq and Kuwait, entertaining our troops, as well as three performances at the Whitehouse. Such a worldly musician returned home to brand himself as a Texas artist. As a result, his music is heard in clubs, at football games at his alma mater, Texas A&M, even on the Space Shuttle at the astronauts' request.
“If I can help someone get lost in the moment of a song long enough to forget the worries of the world, or long enough to remember what’s most important, then I’ve done my job.”
Smith's output includes titles such as "Livin' Like A Lonestar", which features the top ten single "Colorblind", "We Bleed Maroon", adopted as the modern-day anthem for Texas A&M, "Don't Listen to the Radio"--ironically given more airplay than any of his previously released albums, and "Gypsy Rain".
Granger is an adept presence – on stage and through the speaker – and with his continued rise in popularity, he will soon be a household name in music. But Granger insists he will always keep pushin' the pedal. "I think that, five years down the road, I'll probably still be striving for something else that I'm not quite getting. I'm always looking towards the next step."
Like a country song born in the saddle, Justin McBride is the modern day rendition of the quintessential American Cowboy. He is a fifth generation cowboy, iconic in stature, a cowboy and songster by profession.
Living with his family on a working ranch, McBride can boast of his accomplishments, having won two World Championships in his 11 years of bull riding. Real life experience in the saddle offers a wealth of material for song writing. He is a singer, a songwriter, a tried-and-true cowboy.
Justin was raised in Nebraska, listening to Hank Williams and Chris LeDoux. “I think what I really like about it was a lot of that stuff I grew up listening to you could see yourself in that predicament,” McBride said. “It was really simple, direct, straightforward music and I still love that kind of stuff.”
Being a true cowboy isn't about fashion and similarly, McBride's music is never dictated by what is at the top of the charts. Many of the places he lived didn't even have radio. Most of his early exposure was to a handful of cassette tapes playing in the truck on the way from rodeo event to rodeo event, trading tapes with fellow riders and ropers. “Those were songs that you’ll never ever hear again,” recalls McBride. Many of these tapes are traded off or long lost except for what was branded into his memory. The best way to know this style is to listen to McBride's work.
Music was always an important part of McBride's life but he didn't start playing until his first year of rodeoing. Here he picked up his first acoustic guitar, sitting around with fellow bull riders, picking tunes and drinking, washing off that day's dust.
Fate would bring McBride's path to cross with Tracy Byrd at a casual jam session which also led to a meet up with songwriter Wynn Varble. Friendships were forged and Justin found himself adding to a couple of tracks here and there. This developed into an album's worth of material which spawned more of the same. Before he knew it, Justin McBride had put together a band to hit the road touring and playing for the same crowds that cheered him in the rodeo arena.
McBride retired from bull riding and began to focus his attention to his music. He had a life of experience as well as a fan base and a growing number of connections. From smoke-filled honky tonks to the Grand Ole Opry, from the Iron Cowboy Invitational to Billy Bob's Texas, Justin McBride continues his legacy in song.