Free this Labor Day weekend? Everything from blues, jazz and R’B to country, Latin and zydeco will collide at the Texas Music Festival. If you’re a fan of any of these beloved genres and wouldn’t mind catching a few rays, the festival is the place to be.
This year’s inaugural festival will take place at the Reliant Arena, 8400 Kirby Drive, as well as Eleanor Tinsley Park, 500 Allen Parkway, and will feature several stages. The headlining acts will showcase a wide array of influences and sounds
The genre and culture-crossing event will be headlined Capitol Records’ recording artist Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, who will soothe and move concertgoers with the soul and funk hybrid that has kept their fans going since 1976. Also on the bill are Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The O’Jays. The trio will bring its eclectic blend of R’B and soul to the festival, along with its 40-year history.
On a different spectrum, Grammy-nominated saxophonist Boney Jones and Tex-Mex-influenced rock band Los Lobos will also be commanding the stage for their sets. And for fans of Gospel, acclaimed acts Smokie Norful and Regina Belle will be crooning the night away.
As if that isn’t enough incentive to check it out, Cowboy Troy will be there, showcasing his self proclaimed "hick-hop," or country rap to appease the politically correct. You really can’t make these things up.
In any case, the Texas Music Festival should be a huge event for fans of more underappreciated genres. Tickets for the three-day extravaganza are $80 dollars in advance for all three days. If you can only make it to one of the days, tickets will be $35 in advance and $50 at the door. For a full list of performers and to purchase tickets, visit www.txmusicfest.com.
