Hitting a High Note

There’s Music in Them Thar Hills

Story by Kathy Denes

Like Texas itself, the Lone Star State’s music scene is huge and diverse. Much of it can be found in Austin, the self-billed “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Besides well-known venues like the Moody Center — which hosts huge events like the upcoming Justin Timberlake tour — and the more intimate Moody Theater — home to “Austin City Limits” — the capital city has dozens of music-filled bars, halls, and honky-tonks.

Options for outdoor listening abound as the weather warms, many at no cost. These include the Mother’s Day Austin Symphonic Band concert, on May 12 at 7 p.m., on the south steps of the state Capitol.

Also downtown, the lawn at the Long Center hosts free drop-in concerts every Thursday evening from May 23 to August 15. For event information, go to The Drop In page.

But you don’t have to be in the music capital to enjoy live music in Texas. Just follow the highways and byways to great destinations throughout the state.

“Live music venues are the heartbeat of the Texas country music industry,” says Linda Wilson, president of the Texas Country Music Association. “From large cities to small, rural communities, live music is thriving.”

Linda says the association, which advocates for the Texas country music industry, actively supports and promotes live music throughout the state.

Back To The Basics

You don’t need to be there with Waylon and Willie and the boys to enjoy the daily music options offered at Luckenbach Texas.

From the acoustic pickers’ circle to concerts, there is plenty to enjoy at this rustic venue, whether in the centerpiece dance hall or on one of the outdoor stages.

To see the schedule for this busy Fredericksburg landmark — where “everybody’s somebody” — and to find lodging nearby, visit the Luckenbach Texas website.

'Note'-able Events

Special events where music plays a big part are springing up all over. Austin hosts the Pecan Street Festival, May 4 through 5, showcasing dozens of musicians, and the Hot Luck Festival, May 23 through 26. On May 4, Brady’s Mexican Colony Park celebrates Cinco de Mayo, and downtown Taylor hosts Blackland Prairie Day. Boerne’s Cave Without a Name hosts a Mother’s Day tribute with mariachi music on May 11 and a woodwind quintet honoring Memorial Day on May 25. The Old Blanco Courthouse is the site for Market Day on May 18. Kerrville’s Folk Festival at Quiet Valley Ranch focuses on songwriting, May 23 through June 9.