The Rex Theater’s Blue Ridge Backroads Live Show will host a concert in remembrance of Houston Caldwell who passed away on April 30, 2010.

The November 5th Friday night radio show will feature The Snyder Family Band with Zeb & Samantha.  The concert will be one of a series to be scheduled at the Rex leading up to HoustonFest scheduled to take place at Felts Park on May 6-7, 2011. Admission to the concert will be $5.00 at the door.  Proceeds from the concerts will benefit the Houston Caldwell Foundation which has been formed to honor Houston’s spirit and legacy by transforming lives through the power of music and community service.  Proceeds from HoustonFest will be used by the Houston Caldwell Foundation to provide funds to the Galax Volunteer Fire Department and discretionary grants to non-profits geared toward youth music education.

The November 5^th concert falls just two days after what would have been Houston’s 19^th birthday.  A special slide presentation will be shown on the Rex movie screen preceding the concert.  The same slide presentation was recently featured at the Nashville Convention Center during the annual International Bluegrass Music Awards convention.  Houston was a regular attendee to the event and played a leading role in IBMA’s Kids On Bluegrass for approximately five years.

“We are delighted that The Snyder Family will return to the Rex for this special performance.  The family has fond memories of Houston and had participated in jam sessions with him on several occasions and spent time with Houston and his family at Merlefest on April 30^th just hours before his tragic accident,” says HoustonFest Director, Debbie Robinson.

About The Snyder Family:

The summer has flown by with some great festivals and events for the Snyder family. We’ve enjoyed meeting up with our friends and making new ones.

Zeb and Samantha competed in one of our favorite fiddler’s conventions in Galax, VA.  Zeb came home with 1st place in Junior Mandolin.  He entered Adult Guitar among more than 300 contestants and got 4th place.  Samantha tried her hand among more than 100 Adult Fiddlers and came home with 2nd place (her teacher, Glen Alexander, took 1st).

“Comin’ On Strong” is an exciting new release from the Snyder Family Band on Mountain Roads Recordings.  This project includes instrumentals, gospel tunes and two original songs written by Samantha.  ”The Great Civil War” is Samantha’s reflection on a significant time in US history.  Zeb’s work on the banjo gives this tune a unique sound.  ”What Will You Say,” written by Samantha, is an upbeat gospel number with an enjoyable mix of mother daughter harmony.  Also included on this project is a Donna Hughes tune “Little Bluebird.”

Karl Cooler with Mountain Roads Recordings says, “It’s a very difficult task to describe the power and enthusiasm that the Snyder Family Band convey through their music, their attitude, their freshness. To gain the full experience, you must attend one of their shows in person. After giving “Comin’ On Strong” a spin, I’m sure you will agree that bluegrass music is in good hands for a very, very long time to come. I can’t adequately convey to you our excitement of having the Snyder Family Band join our family of artists and be able to offer their music to you.”

The Rex Theater Show Details:
When: Friday, November 5, 2010, 8pm
Where: Rex Theater, E. Grayson Street, Galax,VA
Admission:$5 at the door

A raffle will be held for a handmade Queen Size Quilt, 98” x 87”, Apple Pandowdy Pattern, donated by Lola Bryant. The drawing will be held Saturday, May 7th during HoustonFest 2011. You do not have to be present to win. $2 for one ticket or 3 for $5. Ask any HoustonFest Committee member for tickets or contact houstonfest2011@yahoo.com. A HUGE thank you to Grayson National Bank for printing the tickets for us!