Monthly Archives: February 2012

Blue Ridge Travel Association of Virginia (BRTA) recently selected HoustonFest 2011 as the “Best New Event of the Year.” The presentation was made during the Tourism Awards Ceremony at the BRTA Annual Conference. Shown in the photo left to right: Debbie Robinson, Director – HoustonFest 2012, Kenneth & Tess Caldwell, Parents of Houston Caldwell, Ray Kohl, Tourism Director – Galax.
Read more: Carroll News (Va) – HoustonFest named best new event

Pin ItFollow Me on Pinterest

Upcoming fundraiser show at the Rex Theater. Hope to see you there.

 Mountain Park Old Time Band will perform at The Rex Theater this Friday, February 24th, during the weekly Blue Ridge Backroads Live Show.  The band has offered to give a percentage of the proceeds to HoustonFest. One of the 40+ bands who donated talent and time to the inaugural HoustonFest in 2011, Mountain Park will be in the lineup for HoustonFest 2012.
Mountain Park Old Time Band has been together for several years and consists of Johnny Gentry on Guitar, Dobro, Vocals, and sometimes Fiddle. Nancy Gentry is his wife and plays the Bass as well as lends vocals. Roger Stamper plays the Fiddle in our band as well as his own Irish band. C.T. Janney keeps us all in time with his excellent dancing and percussion on the washboard. Mark Handy, MD plays the banjo and also contributes vocals. “We are all friends who truly love playing Old Time Music,” says Mark.   Influenced by different genres while helping to preserve the songs and musical heritage of Old Time Music, the band also incorporates different musical influences including Country and Bluegrass. The band has performed as an opening act for the Carolina Chocolate Drops, played at Bristol Rhythm&Roots for 2009, the Merry Go Round in Mt. Airy, NC as well as playing several times annually at the Historic Rex Theater. The band just completed a new CD that will be available at Friday night’s show.
 (CD liner notes)
Title: Streak O’ Lean, Streak O’ Fat
“We’re a dance band and we love when the dancers hit the floor”, that’s the motivation behind the fourth CD recorded by Mountain Park Old Time Band.  This new project could very well be called the “People’s Pick”, as the song selection was inspired by the fans who dance to the music.  Fans and followers of Mountain Park Old Time Band spoke, the band listened and the result is a top-notch record. The lively, high spirited performances on this project are bound to compel the listener to move their feet.  The band’s talent, versatility and deep regard for old time music shines through in every song.  Mountain Park Old Time Band has been creating a stir in old time music circles for a number of years now.  Whether it’s a live stage performance, porch jam or a recording session, the band aims to please with superb fiddle playing, hard driving, upbeat and thoroughly entertaining music in pure Appalachian Mountain style. Just as their live performances bring joy and fun to old time music enthusiasts, this splendid recording will be a favorite for years to come. - Debbie Robinson
“We’re delighted that Mountain Park Oldtime Band will bring their lively and entertaining show to the Rex and appreciate their generosity as they’ve agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to support HoustonFest.  HoustonFest is a brand new festival, with a mission to continue the legacy of banjoist, Houston Caldwell by celebrating Houston’s young, giving life and his contribution to this region’s musical heritage,as well as his commitment to community service. The festival was well received during its inaugural presentation last year. The support and outpouring of the community and bands like Mountain Park is encouraging, as this non-profit strives to continue presenting a premiere event for our region.” Debbie Robinson, HoustonFest Director.
 Proceeds from HoustonFest provide funds to Galax Volunteer Fire Department and Houston Caldwell Music Scholarship.
Friday’s Show:
Blue Ridge Backroads Live at The Rex Theater, E. Grayson Street, Galax,VA
Friday, February 24, 2012
8:00 p.m.
Admission $5 at the door
Pin ItFollow Me on Pinterest

You’ve been waiting patiently for tickets to go on sale to our second annual HoustonFest! Head over to ticket sales on the website, because we now have tickets available online!

Pin ItFollow Me on Pinterest
Phone: 276-236-9908
eMail: houstonfestgalax@embarqmail.com