red dirt proud news & events

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2025 Events

Aug 1 – Colorado Day
Aug 4 – Coast Guard Bday
Aug 7 – Purple Heart Day
Aug 17 – Senior Citizens Day
Sep 1 – Labor Day (Mon)
Sep 7 – Grandparent’s Day
Sep 11 – Patriot Day
Sep 18 – US Air Force Bday
Sep 22 – Fall/Autumn Begins
Oct 13 – Columbus Day
Oct 13 – US Navy Birthday
Oct 16 – Bosses Day
Oct 31 – Halloween (Fri)
Nov 2 – Time Change?
Nov 10 – US Marine Corps Bday
Nov 11 – Veteran’s Day
Nov 27 – Thanksgiving (Thu)
Dec 7 – Pearl Harbor Day
Dec 10 – Wyoming Day
Dec 21 – First day of Winter
Dec 25 – Christmas (Thu)

 George Strait asked a ton of his friends to help do a benefit concert for flood relief and they all said yes. It’s called Strait To The Heart – A Benefit for Hill Country Flood Victims. The Intimate Donor Dinner & Concert will be held on Sunday, July 27th featuring George Strait and his Ace In The Hole Band, William Beckmann, Ray Benson, Wade Bowen, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Kyle Park and Hudson Westbrook. The money will be collected and distributed by the Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund. For ticket inquiries, please email Vaquerosdm@gmail.com 

Thanks to the Chad Cooke Band and Texas Music Daily for the list of artists whose contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated. When crisis hits, they don't hesitate—they Step Up. And in times like these, that kind of spirit sings louder than any storm. Bottom line: Texas Music artists are more than entertainers.

Chad Cooke Band is donating 100% of all online merch sales for the next month.

Josh Weathers raised over $430,000 in a livestream benefit and auction. 

Rich O'Toole & friends raised $30,000+ at a benefit concert in Fredericksburg, TX.

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation is raising funds and trying to reunite displaced animals with their families.

Maren Morris made a donation to the Texas Hill Country Community Foundation.

Whiskey Myers is donating 100% of their online merch profits this week to flood relief through the end of this week and is working on something special that will be announced soon.

Charles Wesley Godwin is sending all merch profits to Texas recovery efforts

Robert Earl Keen is donating tour merchandise sales and organizing a benefit show possibly taking place August 28 at Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, TX.

Treaty Oak Revival donated 20k and is donating merch sales from their 7/12 St. Louis show.

Jimmie Vaughan is headlining a Texas Flood Relief Concert with 100% of artist proceeds going to the cause.

Aaron Watson – Encouraging donations to the www.spiritofgiving.org.

Bri Bagwell – performing at the Dog Days of Summer on 7/12 in San Angelo. Half of the funds go to Cassie’s Place and ½ of the funds go to the San Angelo flood victims.

AJ Vallejo of Brodie Lane and Love & Chaos – benefit concert Gruene Grove on July 15th. Artists TBD but include Tilluride  

The Randy Rogers Band – donating 100% of their merch sales from their House Pasture Cattle Co. in Concan, TX this Saturday to https://operationbbqrelief.org

The Wilder Blue is selling their The Wilder Blue hats and donating the proceeds to the Texas flood victims through the end of July. Purchase at https://www.thewilderblue.com/

Hudson Westbrook has pledged 100% of the proceeds from his merchandise through the end of July 14 to Texas Hill Country flood relief efforts. Buy Hudson’s merch here.

Cody Canada & The Departed – encouraging donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund online and at their shows.

San Angelo Relief Fund – Friday, July 11th featuring Kat Hasty, Rich O’Toole and more – Arc Light Bar.

Galley Winter River Jam – July 11-13 in New Braunfels changed to a benefit concert featuring Bleu Edmondson and more.

Bernie Nelson Music has a benefit concert with a long list of super songwriters. check his page for the day and time.

Voting is officially underway for the Texas Country Music Association’s Texas Country Music Awards! From July 1 thru Aug 15 on the TCMA website at https://texascountrymusicassociation.org/ Fans, artists, radio personalities, and industry pros are invited to cast their votes across a wide range of categories. This year’s awards show takes place on Sunday, November 9th at the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas—featuring a headlining performance by Kevin Fowler, who’ll also be honored with the prestigious Trailblazer Award.

Colorado State Univ and the PBR are hosting a 2 day Last Cowboy Standing event on July 21–22.  Cross Canadian Ragweed will headline the opening night with a concert at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins on Monday, July 21. (They are filling in for Tim McGraw who was booked but just had back surgery) Their Waco, Texas show is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Baylor University's McLane Stadium. Tickets are available now at https://csurams.evenue.net/events/PBR.

Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to all the people affected by the recent flooding in New Mexico the past few weeks and this past weekend across Texas. Look up Robert Earl Keen’s page for a special video. Robert Earl is from and still lives in Kerrville, Texas. He asked fans to make donations to The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and there is a link on the Red Dirt Proud website.
 

Flatland Cavalry is set to take their well-earned place in West Texas music history with an induction into the West Texas Walk of Fame on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre. They’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with hometown heroes like The Flatlanders (class of 2016) and Josh Abbott (class of 2018), continuing the tradition of Lubbock-rooted artists shaping the soundscape of Texas and beyond.
 

If you want to head to the beach this Summer and you love Roger Creagerand William Clark Green then check out the Air BnB that the pair went into together on. Search Swede Real Estate and Texas Music House on Crystal Beach. It has 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms and can sleep up to 22 people plus it is pet friendly.

Cody Jinks posted July 2nd that his Production Crews were trying to cross the border into Canada but were forced to turn around and had back to the US by Canadian Border Services. Jinks had to cancel his shows for July 4thand July 5th due to this. Jinks is all about his fans and hates to cancel a show for any reason
 

The Magic Number is 5 for John Baumann. John is a solo artist and part of the group The Panhandlers with Josh Abbott, Cleto Cordero and William Clark Green. John just wrapped up his 5th and final day of studio work on his 5th album. We should be hearing it in a few months.
 

To celebrate the release of his self-titled album, Parker McCollum is offering fans an exclusive acoustic download of “Big Ole Fancy House." The download is available with the purchase of the bonus track version on his official website. The move comes in response to a wave of disappointment expressed across social media after the track was left off the original album lineup. Now, Parker’s giving fans the song they’ve been asking for—raw and unplugged.
 

Congratulations to Parker McCollum who has the #2 album on Apple Music
 

Parker McCollum is everywhere these days—including in your rearview mirror. In Texas Department of Transportation’s “Drive Like a Texan” campaign, he borrows the melody of his hit “What Kinda Man” to deliver a custom cautionary tune, urging drivers to ease off the gas with a smooth, unmistakably Parker-style reminder.

Voting is officially underway for the Texas Country Music Association’s Texas Country Music Awards! From July 1 thru Aug 15 on the TCMA website at TexasCountryMusicAssociation.org. Fans, artists, radio personalities, and industry pros are invited to cast their votes across a wide range of categories. This year’s awards show takes place on Sunday, November 9th at the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas—featuring a headlining performance by Kevin Fowler, who’ll also be honored with the prestigious Trailblazer Award.

After miles of music and memories, Treaty Oak Revival’s bass player, Andrew Carey, has announced he’s stepping away from the band. He shared that life on the road has taken its toll and that he’s ready to focus on being the best husband he can be.
 

Back in April, Koe Wetzel gave fans a taste of new music during a show at the Hard Rock Cafe, where he debuted his unreleased track “Surrounded.” Fast forward to now, and the song has become a staple in the setlist for the I’m the Problem Tour, earning a regular spot in his live performances.
 

Cody Jinks is gearing up to release his 11th studio album, In My Blood, dropping July 25. Fans have already gotten a taste through early releases, and now he’s rolled out a fresh music video for the radio single, “The Others.”
 

Did You Know? Charley Crockett, hustling outside Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, CDs in hand, trying to spread his music the old-fashioned way—couldn’t even get into the show. In a twist straight out of a country music fairytale, he unknowingly hands a copy to none other than Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours. Evan passes it along to his booking agent Jon Folk, and boom—Crockett’s big break was set in motion. Proof that sometimes, standing outside the party is how you end up headlining the next one. 

The Texas State Songwriters Association has updated their upcoming events. They have two more qualifying rounds and the 2025 Finale is going to be at the Historic Cactus Theatre in Lubbock, Tx Jan 18. Check out their website for more details =) www.texasstatesongwriters.com/events
 

The Texas Country Music Association handed out their 2025 Industry Awards on June 12th and the winners are:
Syndicated Radio Show – Red Dirt Proud with JB Cloud
Digitial or Print Media Outlet – Texas Music Daily
Social Media Manager – Sierra Jade (Silver Saddle Saloon)
Publicist – Heidi Labensart (McGuckin Entertainment PR)
Live Sound Engineer – Chrisitan Keep (CK Productions)
Live Music Venue – Jeremy Pool & Chad Sargent (Rhinestone Saloon)
Lighting Engineer – Dale Simpson (Extreme Sound Production)
Photographer – Greg Roach
Videographer – Drew Mitchell
Band Merchandise – Dirt Road Troubadours
Single or Album Cover Graphics – Shawnessy Ranson (Payton Riley’s Fireflies)
Industry Professional – Greg Sax
Artist or Industry Spouse/Partner – Vickie Sauceda (Sunny Sauceda)
Tour Manager – Daniel Clanton (Josh Ward)
Artist Manager – Len Snow
Radio Promoter – Dillon Steen
All Around Musician – Kayden Baker
Podcast – Texas Toast with Helen Elshick
Record Producer – Bart Rose (Fort Worth Sound)
Music Festival – Brooke Graham Beach Bash
Charitable Music Event – Texas Ranch Roundup
Music Video – It Ain’t Easy (Rustic Rose)
Booking Agent – Grant Fithen (Loud & Heavy Bookings)
Talent Buyer – Chris Smith (Rhinestone Saloon)
Radio Broadcast Team or Personality – Carey Dean & JoJo KRVP 106.9 The Ranch
Radio Program Director – James Cook KOLI 

Album/EP Releases
Jun 6   Clay Aery – Fractions
Jun 6  James Robert Webb – Weekend Outlaw
Jun 20  Lukas Nelson - American Romance
Jun 20  William Beckmann - Whiskey Lies and Alibis
Jun 27  Parker McCollum - Parker McCollum
Jul 4  Jesse Raub Jr. - What I Came To Do
Jul 11  Tanner Usrey - These Days
Jul 25  Hudson Westbrook – Texas Forever
Jul 25  Cody Jinks - In My Blood
Aug 1  Eli Young Band – Stranger Hours
Aug 1  Sunny Sweeney - Rhinestone Requium
Aug 8  Hayes Carll - We’re Only Human
Aug 8  Jake Bush - Bar Room Brothers and Sisters
Sep 26  Whiskey Myers - Whomp Whack Thunder
 

The Texas Internet Radio Chart handed out awards at their annual event and we congratulate the Winners
Emerging Female: Kayla Jane
Emerging Male: Tanner Sparks
Emerging Band: Broken Arrow Band Kyle
Best Male: Chuck Wimer Music
Best Female: Brandi Behlen
Best Band: JR Herrera Band
Best Song: Jenni Dale Lord ft Billie Jo Jones
TIRA Industry Awards:
Internet Radio Station of the Year: Big Texas Radio
Radio Promoter of the Year: Dillon Steen
Tour Manager of the Year: Quinton Alsobrook
Songwriter of the Year: Addison Lea Thompson
Booking Agency of the Year: 7th Planet Entertainment Group
Artist Management of the Year: Morreale Entertainment
Venue of the Year: Texas Live Arlington
Sound & Lighting Company: Ben Solomon
Producer of the Year: Dave Percefull

*************** UPCOMING  EVENTS *********************************

Jackalope Jamboree 2025 will be June 26-28 at the Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Oregon and feature 49 Winchester, Paul Cauthen and others. https://www.jackalopejamboree.com/
 

Casey Donahew’s Boots On The Beach 2025 will be held June 15-19, July 6-10 and July 27-31. BootsOnTheBeach.net or https://www.tixr.com/groups/almostcountry/events/boots-on-the-beach-2025-113194

William Clark Green's Cotton Festlineup this June at Cook's Garage in Lubbock, TX is stacked with stellar acts including Muscadine Bloodline, the Randy Rogers Band, Hudson Westbrook, Ty Myers and more. The fest will be June 26-28 at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock, Texas. https://cottonfestlbk.com/

Jon Wolfe will be a part of the Inaugural America’s Mountain Festival in Woodland Park, Colorado on July 5th of next year which will also feature Curtis Grimes and Michael Martin Murphy. Tickets are now on sale at AmericasMountainFestival.com. Woodland Park is Northwest of Colorado Springs and just North of Pikes Peak. https://americasmountainfestival.com/
 

Rock The Plains will be Aug 8-9 at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas with the Randy Rogers Band, Aaron Watson, Casey Donahew, Josh Abbott Band, Adam hood, Jeanna Paulette, Curtis Grimes, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts and more. https://www.rocktheplains.com/
 

Cody Johnson will join Bailey Zimmerman and Old Dominion as headliners for Country Thunder Alberta in downtown Calgary August 15-17. Additional artists include Ashley McBryde, Jake Owen and Riley Green; https://www.countrythunder.com/ab
 

Cross Canadian Ragweed Turnpike Troubadours, Wade Bowen, Shane Smith & The Saints and American Aquarium Sat, Aug 23 at McClane Stadium on the Baylor University Campus in Waco, Texas.
 

Caveman Music Festival, happening August 28-31 at Monument Lake Resort in Weston, CO, features artists like The Toadies, Jamestown Revival, Band of Heathens, Uncle Lucius, Josh Weathers, Emily Wolf, Lowdown Drifters, Dexter & The Moonrocks, Charlie Shafter, and Courtney Patton. Tickets: https://cavemanmusicfestival.com/

Okla Homegrown is an event that will kick off the Born & Raised Festival in Pryor Oklahoma. Set for Wed, Sept 10th featuring Cody Canada & The Departed, Stoney Larue, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, the Mike McClure Band and special guests The Smokin Oaks. You an actually get in free if you have a Born & Raised Weekend ticket. https://www.bornandraisedfestival.com/
 

Born & Raised Music Festival is back September 10-13 in Pryor, Oklahoma. The 10th is a Pre-Festival called Okla Homegrown then Treaty Oak Revival will headline the 11th, Cody Jinks, Jamey Johnson, Wade Bowen, Blackberry Smoke and more on the 12th and on the 13thit’s Parker McCollum, Randy Rogers Band, Gavin Adcock, Casey Donahew, Hudson Westbrook, Baxton Keith, Josh Weathers and more. Get tickets and details at https://www.bornandraisedfestival.com/

Tanglefoot Festival Sept 12-13 in Temple Texas featuring headliners Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks, alongside Robert Earl Keen, the Randy Rogers Band, Jack Ingram, Silverada, and The Wilder Blue https://tanglefoottx.com/
 

Larry Joe Taylor just wrapped up his annual Music Festival in April and he is already gearing up for the next one. LJT’s Rhyme’s & Vines is set for September 17-20 at Melody Mountain Ranch in Stephenville and returning campers get first dibs on camp sites .This year’s festival will feature great music, wine and the 8thannual World Champion Jalapeno Cook-Off, as well. https://www.larryjoetaylor.com/rhymes_and_vines.htm

Feels Like Home Festival in Brownwood, TX Oct 4th.  Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney Larue, Pat Green, Bottomland, Graham St. Clair Band and Joe Peters.  Tix on sale May 16th. A celebration of community, music, and delicious BBQ. https://feelslikehomefest.com/

The Texas Country Music Cruise for 2025 will take place Nov 2-9, leave from Galveston, 

Texas and go to Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Artists that will be playing music during the cruise include Gary P. Nunn, Bart Crow, Micky & The Motorcars, Thom Shepherd, Will Banister, Darrin Morris, Tanner Sparks, Cari Hutson & Good Company and Big Joe Walker. Get details at https://www.texascountrymusiccruise.com/
 

The 2025 Texas Country Music Awards will be held on November 9th at Billy Bob’s Texas in Ft. Worth and the nomination round will start May 1st and end June 15th. Also, Tickets for the awards show will go on sale July 1st. They will also open up for sponsorships and advertising in the program and promotion for the show. https://texascountrymusicassociation.org/