Music Mecca
Have you ever been to Crockett? If you haven’t, follow the sound of music and you’ll find this “upbeat” town in Houston County. I happened by during their 2nd Annual Country Western Swing Music Festival in mid April. For those of you who are too young to remember Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, let me explain. Western Swing developed in Texas and Oklahoma in the 1930’s and was enormously popular in the 40’s. It was the kind of music you danced to on Saturday nights - a little jazz, country, and big band swing mixed with the sounds of the Southwest. The Swing Fest line-up was impressive. I tapped my foot to Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys on Friday the 18th. It’s such an intergenerational form of entertainment. Grandsons were dancing with their grandmas, and toddlers were swinging in their dads’ arms.
Rest assured—all types of music can be heard year ‘round here. Crockett’s Camp Street Cafe is known for live music on the weekends. It’s 1930s juke-joint atmosphere recalls the days when the blues were born on Camp Street, and Lightnin’ Hopkins began to develop his style. Call 936.544.8656 for a schedule. The Pineywoods Fine Arts Association brings in national acts throughout its season and don’t miss the free Summer Nights performances - call 936.544.4276 for a list of events. The first Saturday of each month means it’s time for the Dennis Ivey Texas Opry! He was one of the featured bands at the Swing Festival. Down the road in Kennard you’ll find the Wright Family and their Auto Dulcimer and Shaped Note Singing. Plus—Salmon Lake has a Blue Grass Festival and there’s even the Wilma Foote Organ Club. If you can’t find some music you like in Houston County...then shame on you!
Where do you like to hear great music in the Texas Forest Country? Share your favorites by clicking on the comments link below.
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