--------
http://www.gruenehall.com
.
The complete August calendar is posted at http://www.gruenehall.com. These are just a few of the highlights.
             You can also read the newsletter on-line at http://www.gruenehall.com/newsletter.html
 

.

......Sat. Aug. 6th  get tickets
.
Gruene Hall welcomes back Hal Michael Ketchum for his 3rd Annual Gruene Reunion on Aug. 6th. Both as a carpenter and a musician, Hal worked his way up the ladder, paying his dues playing the Hall's front room and middle stage up until the early 90's, when he signed his first record deal with Curb Records. Ketchum scored a hit with "Small Town Saturday Night" right off the bat, and the rest is history. Recent word from halketchum.com includes the exciting news that he recently sold out his first art show at the Amado M. Peña gallery in Santa Fe!  Not only is Hal a gifted songwriter/musician, but he's also a gifted painter and artist. Prints of Hal's art can be purchased at all Hal's live shows.....we are hoping there will be some left for the Gruene Hall show! Hal has also just finished up some shows with Montel Williams, benefiting the Montel Williams Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Joining Hal for this special reunion are South Carolina transplant, Brian Keane and Dallas-based Americana roots band  Macon Greyson.  Brian Keane's resemblance to Hal Ketchum's early music, songwriting, and voice is almost spooky. His new cd is getting rave reviews from even the toughest critics, so be sure and pick one up at the show. Scientest Buddy Huffman leads the rockin' Americana band from the Dallas area, Macon Greyson, who have a great new cd out called Translate, available on-line here.

David Holt's reputation as a legendary Texas guitar-slinger and songwriter has already been established through his time with Storyville and The Mavericks.  For 25 years, the guitarist has shared stages with Carlene Carter, Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, Billy Joe Shaver, the Sexton Brothers, Jesse Taylor and the Supernatural Family Band. Now Holt strikes out on his own, with an extremely impressive new cd full of R&B and Texas-rock originals, called "Perpetual Motion". Come see David and his band on Sunday, August 7th (5-9 pm, no cover charge).

Another new cd is creating a buzz, and if you haven't heard of Brian Keane yet, you soon will. His fresh style of songwriting and vocal qualities are catching the ears of even the toughest critics, and his blend of influences like Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett and Walter Hyatt all combine to make this guy one of our favorites. Come see for yourself when he opens for Hal Ketchum on Aug. 6th, or on Saturday, Aug. 13th (1-5 pm, no cover charge).  In the meantime, get yourself a copy of Brian's new cd here.

Jason Allen has been singing since he was 10 years old and it's the quality of his vocals that set him apart from the rest. That and a charismatic stage presence and a lot of real solid songwriting. Jason was introduced to us through Clay Blaker , a former Gruene Hall regular best known for writing hits for George Strait and Barbara Striesand.  Jason's solid backing from Wes Daily and D-Records, Strait's early record label, is starting to pan out. Jason is playing to bigger crowds than ever before and his new video, "John Boat Blues", will soon be airing on CMT and GAC. Catch him live at Gruene Hall on Aug. 11th, fresh off his tour of Spain and France!

.......October 7, 8, & 9

Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest, coming up soon on October 7th, 8th, & 9th! Benefiting Hope Hospice and United Way, look for a weekend full of great food, Texas wines, and Texas & Americana music.  Tickets for some of the events are now on sale. Click here for more info!
 

While the Roger Creager B-day Bash was a summer highlight, the recent death of Kirby Standley, Roger Creager's tour manager, was still on everyone's mind. Kirby passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2005 in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 30. Our sincere condolences go out to Kirby's wife and family, Roger and the band, and all of their caring friends and fans. Kirby did not have any insurance so if you would like to help his family out, click here, or go to www.rogercreager.com to make a donation on-line. All funds will go to Kirby's family to help with the financial hardship caused by his hospitalization and death.