As the winter seeds begin to bloom with life across the region, the energy shifts with more music in the air as well. Here are a few highlights of shows and places to hear the beat from Mozart to country fiddlers to Americana singer songwriters.
The annual Townes Van Zandt Tribute takes place March 2 at The Forge Bar and Grill in Ben Wheeler. It features singer-songwriters performing and paying tribute to the late Townes Van Zandt, one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century.
Memorial City Hall Performance Center presents An Evening in the Round with Linda Davis on March 8; A Taste of Ireland, March 27; Already Gone, April 5, and Girls Raised in Texas, May 8.
Richard Strauss created his radiant Metamorphosen in 1945 to process his grief after what he called “the most terrible period of mankind.” Mount Vernon Music musicians — along with MVM scholarship award winners — present this gorgeous music together with an arrangement of the beloved Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven’s contemporary, Michael Gotthard Fischer at St. Marks Anglican Parish in Arlington on Saturday March 22 and in their Mount Vernon venue on Sunday, March 23. Also in Mount Vernon from 11 a.m. to noon on April 26 the musicians present a family concert. The Tortoise and the Hare, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, and Rumpelstiltskin get a musical update with help from Mozart.
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse in Lindale is Tylor Brandon, March 1; Rick Dudley, March 7; Kirk Harper, March 22; Jeff Canada, March 28; Brandon Bamburg, March 29, Byron Haynie, April 5; Mayson Garner, April 12, Kirk Harper, April 18, and Chris Cunningham, April 25. Several of these musicians also perform at the Tyler TXM location.
Winnsboro Center for the Arts presents Susan Gibson on March 8 and John Fullbright on April 12.
As the people of Palestine roll out the welcome wagon for dogwood flowers each spring, the musicians get in on the act as well. Dogwood Jamboree 2025 helps kick off the season at 7 p.m. on March 15 with a Branson-style country music and variety show filled with classic country hits, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment. Featuring top-notch artists and lively performances, the show delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages at the Palestine High School auditorium.
The Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival is March 27-29 at First Baptist Church. The festival kicks off with a Thursday evening concert, followed by morning workshops and afternoon jamming sessions each day on Friday and Saturday. Visitors can explore rooms with various musical styles, from autoharps to beginner dulcimer jams. Go to www.VisitPalestine.com for details.
At nearby Salmon Lake Park the annual Bluegrass Fun Pick takes place April 11-13. This unique event is all about jamming together in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Seasoned pickers and music lovers enjoy this camping getaway with tent and RV sites and a few cabins. For more information, visit www.slpbluegrass.com
Guests dining at Nuna’s Cajun restaurant in Palestine can enjoy the band Red Dirt Ritas from 7 to 10 p.m. on April 19. Red Dirt Ritas is a dynamic five-piece band from East Texas that performs popular tunes. BYOB. Go to www.VisitPalestine.com for more information.
The Band of Heathens are performing September 13 at Longview Museum of Fine Arts.
Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA) features a music series throughout the year. LMFA concerts scheduled so far include Cole Allen on March 1, Reed Foehl on March 15, and Rebecca Loebe on April 26. Tickets are $30, available on www.lmfa.org or call (903) 753-8103. The Band of Heathens are performing September 13 at the museum for $45. The Band of Heathens is an Americana rock band known for their rich harmonies, soulful storytelling, and dynamic live performances. Formed in Austin, Texas, the group blends rock, country, blues, and folk influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and modern. Over the years, they have released several critically acclaimed albums, including Duende and Stranger, showcasing their versatility and depth as songwriters. With a reputation for electrifying shows and heartfelt lyrics, the Band of Heathens continues to captivate audiences across the country.
The EB Stewart Family will be onstage Friday on the Henderson County Courthouse Square as part of the 94th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion on April 18 -19 in downtown Athens. A Friday street dance features Jody Nix and The Texas Cowboys and Saturday street dance features Craig Howell Band. The longest running fiddle contest in Texas it also features a classic car show, kiddie carnival, and a variety of fun foods. Guests are invited to bring quilts or lawn chairs to enjoy the music.
Treaty Oak Revival plays at Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival on May 10 in Tyler.
The Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival takes place on May 10 at The Park of East Texas, 204 Patton Lane, in Tyler. Music line up is Treaty Oak Revival, Braxton Keith, Ty Myers, Jason Poland & The Stragglers, and Cory Morrow. Barbecue joints include All Smoke No Mirrors, Paris, Texas; Bar B Que Bandidas, New Braunfels; BBQ and a Prayer, Canton; Brisket Love BBQ & Icehouse, Lindale; Casey’s BBQ, Athens; Chopp’d Beef Boys, Dallas; East TX Rust BBQ, Gilmer; Poppy’s Qu, Elgin; Q& Brew, Canton; Slaughter’s BBQ, Sulphur Springs; Smoak House No. 587, Palestine; Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, Tyler, and Sunbird Barbecue, Longview.
Find links to more music venues on County Line Magazine website.
