ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
Asleep At The Wheel
Our hosts will be back, of course! Asleep at the Wheel has a long-standing tradition of “keeping Western Swing alive” (Wall Street Journal) and introducing the genre to a new generation. Frontman Ray Benson calls it “jazz with a cowboy hat,” and the unique combination of American blues, swing and traditional fiddling elements, along with its demanding musical chops, is what drew him to this style of American roots music back in 1970. A quick scan of awards, such as “Touring Band of the Year” (CMAs, 1976) and “Lifetime Achievement in Performance” (Americana Music Awards 2009), not to mention being 10-time Grammy Award winning, reflects the reputation of the band’s musicianship in the studio and on the road.
Taking a page from Bob Wills’ book, the band has constantly toured at a national level throughout its history with anywhere from 7-15 of the finest players Ray Benson could talk into jumping on the bus to play a string of dates. The alumni roster is well over 80+ members, and includes an impressive list of musicians who have gone on to perform with artists such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, and many more. Currently traveling as an 8-piece band, “The Wheel plays music that is timeless, infectious, and is meant for dancing” (Dallas Observer, 2014) – and there’s no better place to experience them live than on the Texas Dance Hall Tour!
https://www.asleepatthewheel.com/
DALE WATSON
Dale Watson
We are also excited to welcome back the Texas Troubadour, Dale Watson! Dale has flown the flag for classic honky-tonk for over two decades. He’s christened his brand of American roots “Ameripolitan” to differentiate it from current crop of Nashville-based pop country. The Alabama-born, Texas-raised Watson is a country music maverick, a true outlaw who stands alongside Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and George Strait as one of the finest country singers and songwriters from the Lone Star State.
Since the release of El Rancho Azul in 2013, Watson’s profile has risen considerably via appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), Austin City Limits and The Sun Sessions (PBS) and as a guest on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. A veteran touring artist and consummate entertainer, he is on the road more than 300 days a year. He also put his money where his heart is and took over ownership of two struggling Texas honky-tonks, the Little Longhorn Saloon in Austin (home of Chicken $#!+ Bingo) and The Big T Roadhouse in St. Hedwigs (outside San Antonio). If not on the road, he and His Lone Stars perform at one of them each Sunday.
“BRUCE & KELLY” – BRUCE ROBISON & KELLY WILLIS
Bruce & Kelly
They fell in love while harmonizing together, though it took them until 2013 to release their first officially billed joint effort (not counting four children): Cheater’s Game. Already reigning as one of Americana music’s coolest couples, their latest release, Our Year, elevates them closer to the lofty territory once occupied by beloved royals Johnny ‘n’ June and George ‘n’ Tammy.
Bruce:
Bruce Robison has been making music professionally for decades. He has great enthusiasm about his craft and that infectious energy is evident in every note of his new album, Bruce Robison & the Back Porch Band, as well as his new project, The Next Waltz, a blossoming community of artists, fans and friends gathering both virtually and at his recording studio in Lockhart, just outside of Austin. Bruce’s songs have also turned into hits for George Strait (“Desperately”), Tim McGraw (“Angry All the Time”) and the Dixie Chicks (“Travelin’ Soldier”). He also has collaborated with others as a songwriter, singer, guitarist, harmonica player and producer/engineer.
Kelly:
With rockabilly roots and a heartache-meets-honky-tonk voice, Kelly Willis has been labeled a country ingénue. As a new traditionalist singer/songwriter, her tunes effortlessly combine the storytelling and strings aspects of country music and the driving force of rock. Kelly has a solo project currently in the works, which will tentatively be released later this year.
THE DERAILERS
The Derailers
In a career that has given rise to more than a decade’s worth of fine-tuned, highly anticipated and wonderfully received music, the Derailers continue to build the relationship between song, listener and dance floor.
Each album has been a mix of well-crafted original songs and cover songs so thoughtfully chosen and so representative of the band, fans think they are as original as the band themselves. Challenged by their fans to create a sound that mirrors the shuffle of happy boots on a hardwood floor, the Derailers have fed the hungry dancehall crowds with their classic country beats and a 60s pop sensibility. Fans continue to show their appreciation and admiration with requests for encores long after the last drink has been served.
In terms of sound, the Derailers have gotten smoother with age. Their music celebrates the legacies of Buck Owens, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich and the Beatles, while still being on the edge of today’s country music.