Living
Western Swing coming to Belton
Monday, 19 March 2012 by Keith Bahlmann
The 16th Annual Western Swing Showcase and Dance will be held Saturday at the Bell County Expo Center.
A list of professional entertainers will be the highlight of the event.
Western Swing was a product of the partnership of Milton Brown & Bob Wills in Ft Worth during the early 1930's. A good description of this music is a combination of country, western, jazz, big band, Mexican, blues, Cajun, and even classical at times which is heavily influenced by the fiddle. In a unanimous vote, the Texas State Legislature passed the bill to make Western Swing the "Official Music of Texas" on May 23, 2011.
Dave Alexander – named Entertainer Of The Year by the Academy of Western Artists. Dave has emerged as one of the world's top western entertainers since his early beginnings with the Texas Playboys, Don Edwards and Red Steagall. Dave has carved his own exciting and rewarding career.
Bobby Flores – As a 2003 Grammy Winner, Bobby is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, arranger / producer / composer, and first call session musician. He's recorded and performed on stage with Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush and Freddy Fender to name a few. He has performed on Austin City Limits, The Grand Ole Opry, TNN Prime Time, numerous Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnics, and at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Ricky Turpin - Two time Grammy winner began his music career at age 12, Turpin was World Series of Fiddling Champion and 1st runner up at the Grand Nationals. He has played Johnny Bush and The Banderleros, Asleep At The Wheel, and Rick Trevino. He has worked on recording sessions with Merle Haggard, George Strait, Vince Gill Willie Nelson, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Huey Lewis and many others.
Brook Deaton has been playing fiddle/violin since she was 5 years old. After competing in fiddle contest around the world, she has won many titles and awards including Texas and Kansas State Champion, Rising Star of Texas, Junior National Champion and World Champion. Brook has performed with Dave Alexander's Big Western Swing Band,
Doors open at 11:00 am. Admission for the afternoon show from 12:00 – 5:00pm will be $20.
Dinner tickets of $8.50 must be reserved in advance by calling (254) 939-8390.
Dance admission from 8 p.m. – midnight will be $20.
