The Steel Guitar Forum

Billy Mata & the Texas Tradition will have three special shows on labor day weekend with one of our favorite swing singers and Timejumpers - Carolyn Martin. Accompanied, of course, by her husband Dave (hope he will bring his bass, too). We will play our stuff, lots of western swing, lots of classic country standards, plus Carolyn's signature tunes and favorites.

On Fri and Sun, we will also be joined again by our legendary, Grammy-winning pianist Floyd Domino. No one tickles the ivories quite like Floyd, and just hearing him play is worth the price of admission.

And, of course, you can hear one of the best steelers around, Western Swing hall-of-famer and forum member Roger Edgington. Maybe he'll break out the Peterson this weekend (LOL, sorry Roger... just had to tease you) It's gonna be a great weekend. Come out and see us if you can.

Friday, Sept 3
Broken Spoke, Austin, TX
9p-1p

Saturday, Sept 4
Swiss Alp, Schulenburg, TX
8:30p-12:30p

Sunday, Sept 5
11th Street Cowboy Bar, Bandera, TX
9p-1a

Check the schedule here for details, directions, etc.

Thanks!

Bill

Bill, I'll be looking forward to seeing the boys and girl in Bandera. Mark

Wish we could join you - it sounds like a great show.
Bob & Lisa

Bill, my boy!

I have a gig downtown from 7-9:30 that Friday night, then I'm comin' over to see ya and your fine band. Gotta have it, papa!

Herb! How the heck are ya?

I look forward to seeing you, my friend. Hope life finds you blessed these days.

Come on down and we'll give it to ya!

Bill

My gig is over at 10:00 that friday so I'll be running over there. I may head down to Schulenburg also.

Yes Bill I'll be using the Peterson this week-end. It also has fiddle & bass program.
Sometimes with the temperature ranges we have it's hard to keep 5 sting instruments real tight.

I caught the show last night after my early downtown gig and Billy and the band (the Texas Tradition) were in fine form. Roger E. and Richard Helsley, my former Bandolero colleague, were in lockstep. Richard is simply a technique maven and a beautifully lyrical fiddler. My old friend Floyd Domino was his usual laid-back, solid self. Billy was singing great as well.

And Carolyn Martin!? That girl can flat out SING, hosses! All kinds of music, not just country. Great stage presence and vocally delivers the goods. And she mentioned her appreciation of a full dance floor, which is the criteria for success in a Texas environment.

The house was, of course, full. Pro players I saw in the audience were Howard Kalish, Bob Hoffnar, Earl Ball, and Al Dressen. Carolyn's husband Dave Martin sat in on bass for a few tunes. Promoters Ted and Linda Branson, and Barbara Martin were also in attendance.

I've played onstage with all the members of Billy's band in various situations, even filled in for Roger one night, so I know these fellows well. IMHO there are bands in Texas that are the equals of the Texas Tradition, but none better, I assure you.

Wow, what a great line up! Knock 'em dead Roger!!