Tag Archive for: Music

East Texas State Fair Brings Family Fun To Tyler

Summer has come to an end, but that does not mean that the outdoor fun is over. It is time again for the East Texas State Fair, happening September 20-29 at The Park of East Texas in Tyler (2112 West Front Street). This year’s festivities promise to deliver some of the area’s best entertainment for family members of all ages.

The top musical acts include country star Aaron Watson on September 21 and classic rock legend Bret Michaels on September 28. Both artists will be hitting the Stonewater Roofing Stage along with La Invasora Conjunto Fest on September 29. (Note: A separate ticket is required for admission to Watson and Michaels.)

East Texas State Fair Music

In addition to these highlighted artists, fairgoers can also check out Mike & The Moonpies, Holly Tucker, Sabrina Toole, Duelly Noted, David Beck’s Tejano Weekend, The Bluez Boyz, The Tuxedo Cats, The Rock Bottom Boys, Billie Jo, The Darrin Morris Band, and jazz performances from UT Tyler and TJC bands.

But the East Texas State Fair features much more than great live music. Attendees can check out a farm-to-table cooking show, livestock shows, a sea lion show, magic from illusionist Kardenni, and a stunt performance by The Nerveless Nocks. There will also be a petting zoo for kids.

All of this comes free with the price of admission.

Of course, this is accompanied by the standard fair staples such as carnival rides and games, art booths, and a mouthwatering array of foods and craft beers. The event attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year and brings an estimated $9.8 million to the City of Tyler and Smith County.

Visit the East Texas State Fair’s official website to purchase tickets in advance and see complete details including times, the full schedule of events, and parking information. Stonewater Roofing is a proud sponsor of this event.

Elementary Drumline To Play At Texas Revolution Game

Indoor football fans at the Texas Revolution game in Frisco on April 14 will also enjoy a rousing performance by the Caldwell Arts Academy drumline. “We love showcasing our students and the talents they have,” explained Bobby Markle, principal of the Tyler Independent School District campus.

The drumline is even more impressive because it is made up entirely of elementary students.

In fact, the Caldwell kids are the first competitive elementary school drumline in East Texas. “We were looking for outlets for these kids to perform. Elementary drumlining is not a big thing in Texas. It’s usually reserved for middle schools and high schools,” Markle said. “These are not just elementary students who picked up percussion and are going to struggle through cadences. These kids really have a God-given talent.”

That talent is now taking the Caldwell drumline to Stonewater Roofing Field at the Ford Center in Frisco, home of the Dallas Cowboys and home field for the Texas Revolution indoor football team. The Revs square off against the Amarillo Venom at 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 14, with the pint-sized drummers as featured entertainers.

The Ford Center and Stonewater Roofing Field welcome Texas Revolution fans to Frisco.

“Our kids get to perform on some pretty big stages just because of what our school does, but there’s not a bigger stage than where they are going on Sunday,” Markle added. “These kids will surprise a lot of those audience members. These kids are kids, don’t get me wrong, but they are professionals.”

The afterschool drumline program began with some parents who had experience in percussion and wanted to share their own talents with the younger generation. “At the time, we were having some discipline issues and issues with engagement. I thought, what a great outlet for young men to be able to beat on something. They want to do it anyway,” recalled Markle. “Once we got started, it just took off and has really been a robust program for us that will continue not only as a drumline, but as a part of our percussion curriculum.”

Stonewater Roofing COO Jacob Law (a former drum major) and CMO Trent Spradlin (a former drum captain) contributed educational and financial resources to the program. Spradlin is also one of the drumline directors. Students practice two days each week, learning discipline and character development, along with a little bit of rhythm.

“I just think communities need to be engaged in things that are positive,” Markle said. “We run into a lot of distractions in our communities around differences and things like that. But you get these kids on a drumline and see all the adults and children watching, smiling… that’s what community is about. It’s about the great things in your community, and this drumline is one of them.”

Stoney LaRue’s Advice For Young Musicians

Country music artist Stoney LaRue was recently in Tyler, and stopped to chat with Stonewater Sessions about his life on the road. He also shared some personal advice for musicians who are just getting started. LaRue and Longview band Post Profit were featured in the newest installment of the Facebook live show which highlights some of the very best regional recording artists.

“It doesn’t ever get old,” said LaRue about touring. “It gets tiring.”

However, as a music industry veteran, LaRue now knows how to cope with the daily grind on a tour bus. “Exercise helps out tremendously,” he explained. “Diet, not drinking too much, just finding the balance.” While some people might find this lifestyle to be a chore, the twinkle in LaRue’s eye shows that he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

You can catch LaRue on the road right now. Head over to his website for tour dates and ticket information. He has shows coming up in Texarkana, Waco and Fort Worth soon, along with many more. Plus, he will be playing at the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival in Tyler in May. Stonewater Roofing is among the proud sponsors of this event.

For younger artists who want to commit themselves to playing music, LaRue has one key piece of advice. “Mean it,” he stated with conviction. “Be honest with your talent, with what you want to do with it. Know what you’re going to say. Just be honest about it, because your body will know, your crowd will know, your audience will know if you’re faking it.”

As for whether musicians should focus their attention on the road or in the recording studio, LaRue hedged, understanding that it’s important to split focus. “It kind of depends on what they’re after. A lot of people sound better recorded than they do live. I know that a lot of my crowd prefers a lot of my live stuff. So, I guess it’s just based off of the individual artist,” he said. “I kind of like both, and it definitely changes, but I like the live thing.”

Check out Stonewater Sessions to see band Post Profit perform “Same Sad Song” at The Robot Cave in Tyler, and hear more from our interview with LaRue. What is his biggest pet peeve? What name would he like to have? What was his dumbest injury? (“The bass player threw up,” he recalled.) Those personal details and more are all revealed, so you don’t want to miss it.

Be sure to follow Stonewater Roofing on Facebook for alerts about the next episode of Stonewater Sessions.

Country Music’s Will Hoge To Perform Live In Tyler

Some of the best national and regional touring artists are being featured in Stonewater Sessions, streaming their newest and most popular songs on Facebook while giving viewers an inside look behind the music. Now, you have a chance to be a part of the next event when Stonewater Sessions goes LIVE with Will Hoge at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q in Tyler.

Hoge is perhaps best known for his song “Strong,” which appeared in a television commercial for the Chevrolet Silverado. He also scored a hit on the country music charts with “Middle of America,” and received an ACM, CMA and Grammy nomination as a writer for chart-topping hit “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” released by the Eli Young Band.

In other words, this is a show that you will not want to miss.

The concert will be held on Thursday, April 25. Doors open at 7:00 PM with Hoge taking the stage an hour later. Tickets are now available in advance for just $8.00 by ordering online, or priced at $15.00 if you purchase at the door. Seating is limited, so act fast. Then, let everyone know that you’re going and share the event with others by checking in on Facebook.

Will Hoge at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q is brought to you by KNUE and Stonewater Roofing.

Can’t wait to hear some amazing live country music? Head on over to the last installment of Stonewater Sessions, where we sat down with Whitehouse native Tyler Dudley at The Robot Cave as he performed some new tunes, spoke about his early days in the music industry, and gave credit to the men who helped lead him down the path to success.

Get Free Tickets To See Dwight Yoakam Live

Looking for something fun to do with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day weekend? Stonewater Roofing is here to help you out! We will be giving away pairs of tickets to see Dwight Yoakam perform live on February 16 at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. And all you have to do is enjoy a great lunch at Hugo’s Invitados in the heart of Las Colinas.

Hugo’s Invitados in Las Colinas.

The tickets will be handed out on February 13, just in time for you to surprise your sweetie on Valentine’s Day. Come savor the natural, handcrafted food at Hugo’s Invitados between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM while Stonewater Roofing is broadcasting live on Facebook. Diners who spend $25 will receive a free pair of tickets to Dwight Yoakam’s show, while supplies last.

View The Event On Facebook & Let Us Know You’re Coming!

Can’t make it to lunch in Las Colinas on that day? No problem! Call us now at 903-266-1205 to schedule a free roof damage assessment. Mention this special offer to secure your pair of tickets in advance!

But that’s not all! Stonewater Roofing is also kicking off its Spring Break Getaway contest. Next month, we’re treating one lucky couple to a dream staycation on the lake, meals included. Even if you’re too late to get the Dwight Yoakam tickets, you can still be among the first to register for the Spring Break Getaway by scheduling a free roof damage assessment with Stonewater Roofing. Like and follow our Facebook page for more details coming soon.

Find Out Who Helped Tyler Dudley Pursue Music

The Lone Star State has no shortage of country music performers, and some of the best up-and-coming artists are being featured in Stonewater Sessions, streaming their newest and most popular songs on Facebook while giving viewers an inside look behind the music. The latest artist in the spotlight is Whitehouse native Tyler Dudley, who is about to release a new album.

Dudley spoke with Stonewater Roofing at The Robot Cave recording studio in Tyler, before his performance at Coach’s & Cowboy’s last month.

“I worked at Cavender’s for years. It was really my only real job,” Dudley recalled. “I was a manager there, and I just didn’t like the whole 9-5 thing.”

That is when Dudley turned his back on retail and decided to pursue his true passion in life. “I’ve always just loved music,” he said. “I had something and wanted to use it. And that made me happy. That’s what it’s all about to me, just doing what you love.”

Dudley is quick to credit others for his success, notably JB Patterson from JB & The Moonshine Band. “I was playing at a sports bar years ago, and we were playing one of JB’s songs and they came up. I think it’s just funny. I feel like that’s just how this industry works is you just meet people. That’s what it’s all about. You just slowly make connections, you meet people, the right people.”

Patterson helped lead Dudley on his journey into the music industry. “He really took me under his wing and just showed me the ways and the routes. He’s produced the album. He’s told me what steps to take. Without him, this would be a whole lot harder to process. So, to have someone like him in my corner to help, it’s kind of crazy.”

But it’s not just famous names that helped Dudley get his start. Perhaps the most influential force behind Dudley’s career was his grandfather. “My grandfather was probably the one that really,” Dudley started. “He used to play guitar a lot and sing around the house. He was the one that really motivated me and wanted me to do it. He passed away a little over a year ago and we wrote a song. We got a song that’s coming out on the EP soon.”

Tyler Dudley talks about his music career with Stonewater Roofing.

However, the first single from that EP is “Heart the Size of Texas.” Dudley performed the song live for Stonewater Sessions. “It’s another one of those songs that’s pretty self-explanatory, about a girl that I met that had a heart the size of Texas, had a really big heart, and just cared more than she probably should have about a lot of different things, about other people and myself.”

Dudley also performed “Wastin’ My Time,” which he said is about “a relationship that I felt was just going nowhere.”

“I definitely think that music is a great way for anybody that’s going through anything like that can listen to something and know that someone else is going through kind of the same thing,” Dudley said. “I think that’s the wonderful thing about music.”

Red Dirt Festival Celebrates The Best Texas BBQ & Music

It’s a treat for your ears and your taste buds! The best BBQ in Texas will pair with some fantastic live music once again for the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival, being held on May 4 in downtown Tyler. This will be the sixth year for the event, which has quickly become an East Texas favorite.

For those who have never made it out, the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival brings together more than 25 of the most popular BBQ joints from across the state — from Tyler to Amarillo. Sample a wide variety of smoked meat dishes while never leaving the Rose City’s bricked streets.

But the mouthwatering food is just half of the fun. Enjoy your meal while listening to nearly 12 hours of live music on the Stonewater Stage. This year’s artists have been revealed, and fans are already eager to attend this uniquely Texas event.

  • Randy Rogers Band
  • Wade Bowen
  • Stoney LaRue
  • American Aquarium
  • Mike & The Moonpies

Plus, attendees have multiple chances to win an iPad Pro at the festival from Stonewater Roofing.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM on February 1 and you don’t want to miss out. Last year, officials stated that 5,000 tickets were sold in less than 48 hours, and VIP tickets were gone in just 30 seconds. That was a record time, and this year’s event is sure to be just as popular. Visit the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival’s website for ticket information and more details. Stonewater Roofing is among the event’s proud sponsors.

Elementary Kids Prepare For Drumline Competition

A growing East Texas company is encouraging growth of the arts in the Tyler Independent School District. The Caldwell Arts Academy Drumline is the first competitive elementary school drumline in East Texas. Students from first through sixth grade auditioned for the group and are gearing up for competitions in early 2019.

Stonewater Roofing, a Tyler based commercial and residential roofing company, has a special appreciation for these types of programs. COO Jacob Law (former John Tyler High School Drum Major) and VP of Communications Trent Spradlin (former Robert E. Lee Drum Captain) have contributed financial and educational resources to the organization.

Directed by Spradlin and Travis Sutphen, students practice two days each week learning discipline, character development and a little bit of rhythm.

Spradlin hopes that the district sees the benefits, internally and externally, that this program provides, and expects similar programs to develop over the coming years.

If it weren’t for the support and flexibility of Stonewater Roofing, the program would not be at the level it is at currently. With the growth of the company, Stonewater Roofing will continue to provide support for groups like the Caldwell Drumline, not only here in Tyler, but in all of their service areas throughout Texas.

A version of this article originally appeared on KLTV’s website.