Houston Area 4th of July Events

Here's the link to Freedom Over Houston. There's a lot going on besides just the fireworks...like Clay Walker in concert. So here's a map you can download and print out.

Even if you are not attending this event, be aware that there are streets closed already for the set up and the highways through downtown will be clogged Saturday evening with folks watching from the side of the road. Please drive careful.

Or do what I do most every year...get a room downtown and have someone else park your car and then you can go back to your room afterward and not deal with the maddness! I highly recommend the Hyatt...their rates are super cheap for one night. And no I didn't get a free room to say that!

Down on the Island, Galveston will have it's fireworks display starting at about 9:30.

I didn't find much info on it but Kemah also will have fireworks around 9:30.

Baytown has always got a nice family event for the 4th of July. Scheduled to perform this year are The Bellamy Brothers and John Micheal Montgomery.

Sam Houston Racepark has fireworks starting about 15 minutes after the last race. Get there early and save some money. General Admission: $4.00 until 7:00 PM parking: $5.00 until 7:00 PM General Admission: $10:00 after 7:00 PM Parking: $10:00 after 7:00 PM

If you’re in The Woodlands, there are several events where you can celebrate.

First there is the Star-Spangled Salute which is being held Friday night at the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion.

You’ll hear patriotic music presented by the Houston Symphony.

Finally, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can head to the Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza at Town Green Park and Waterway Square. Click the banner above for details. Get there early and hear The Josh Ward Band perform.

There’s also a lot to celebrate in Fort Bend County Saturday, July 4th.

In Sugar Land, the festivities include The Red White and Blue Fest at Oyster Creek Park. Those events begin Saturday and run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. KILT's Laura Reynnolds will be on hand to host the festivities.

The city of Stafford and the Fort Bend Symphony will celebrate by treating the public to a free patriotic concert.

Freedom Rings 2009 will be held at the Stafford Centre and starts at 5 p.m.

In Missouri City, the public is being treated to a July 4 celebration at Buffalo Run Park.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks blare into the night sky at 9.

Radney Foster Invites You To A Revival

I doubt I can name one radio buddy who programs Texas music who doesn't think Radney Foster is the #1 writer of his age. Plus he produces folks like Randy Rogers Band and writes some great songs recorded by mainstream artists such as Keith Urban and Sara Evans.

His new CD "revival" drops Sept 1. Check out the brief video of radney and then look at his schedule. He'll be in Houston on the CD release date at the Mucky Duck.

Houston Ziegfest Early Ticket Sales

$10 tickets for the annual event on sale now. Click here for details. This Early Bird Pre-Sale Special is available exclusively online for a limited time.

The full line-up will be announced shortly and of course we'll have that for you when it's available. Let's just say you will NOT be disappointed.

Pollstar reports these artists are confirmed:
Kevin Fowler
Mark McKinney
Randy Rogers Band
Reckless Kelly

Barefoot & Crazy Video

You'll recognize a few Texas locations in Jack Ingram's new video. You might even see yourself!

Great Photo Website for Texas Music Fans

I don't think he'll mind me posting a few of his photos because, well, it may generate some business for him. Plus he should be very proud of his work.


AMP is a blog about country music concert photography, cd and concert reviews about Texas and Nashville country music by Jeff Dykhuis. He's taken some gerat shots from various venues and festivals aorund the country where Texas and red Dirt artists play.

Ray Price Recovering After Surgery

Country legend Ray Price is recovering after being hospitalized for surgery, June 23.
Ray, whose classic hits include "For the Good Times" and "Crazy Arms," was admitted to the hospital for routine medical tests. During the past several months, Ray had been losing weight and doctors feared he was suffering from exhaustion. The results of a colonoscopy revealed a large number of polyps in a pre-cancerous stage, requiring immediate surgical removal. Surgery was completed on Tuesday, June 23, and doctors state that the operation was a complete success. Ray's wife Janie reports that Ray, 83, is making a slow, steady recovery with family and friends around him.