Texas Music Events: November

From the Texas twang of country crooners to the heavenly harmonies of a gospel choir, Lone Star music lovers have a lot to be thankful for at the start of the holiday season. This November, tap your feet to the beat at the following events:

Austin

Annual Jazz at St. James

Location: St. James Episcopal Church at 3701 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Groove to the smooth sounds of Christian-influenced jazz rifts at this three-day event, which includes a free music workshop for budding Dave Brubecks looking to sharpen their skills. Admission is charged for nightly concerts.

Beaumont

Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society present's Mozart's Requiem
Location: First United Methodist Church at 701 Calder Street
The Austrian composer's most haunting work will echo throughout the Beaumont house of worship in a free concert, courtesy of a musical troupe comprised of members which embrace a variety of religious denominations.

Dallas

Convention of the Texas Gospel Announcers Guild
Location: The Hilton Anatole Hotel at 2201 North Stemmons Freeway
During Thanksgiving weekend, give thanks to the Lord at this three-day festival which features a cavalcade of Christian acts as well as musical seminars and workshops and dance performances.

Fredericksburg

Glockenchor 2006 Handbell Festival
1407 E. Main St.
Location: First Baptist Church
Chime in the holiday season with the joyful sounds of handbells at this free concert event, which is performed at the conclusion of a two-day choir conference.

Johnny Nicholas Texas All-Star Big Band Bash
Location: Lady Bird Johnson Park, Pioneer Pavillion Hall
Ticket holders will be served food for both body and soul as they dine on pork loin with chipotle sauce, green beans almandine and cottage French bread before enjoying an evening of Texas tunes performed by Marcia Ball, Joe King Carrasco, Floyd Domino and a host of musical acts.

Kyle

Thunderpalooza Music Festival
Location: Thunderhill Raceway at 24801 IH35
A winter chill may already be settling in the Lone Star state, but it's always endless summer when The Beach Boys take center stage, and fans of the '80's will be transported back to the days of parachute pants and mullets when MTV icon Eddie Money belts out "Take Me Home Tonight" at one of the fastest short tracks in the country.

Round Rock

Texas Country Music Fest
Location: Old Settlers Park at 3798 East Palm Valley Blvd.
The mouth-watering aroma of pork spare ribs and beef brisquit mingle with the sounds of tasty Texas tunes from Stoney LaRue, Honeybrowne and other Lone Star singers during this weekend-long event which includes a BBQ Cook-Off and a special Kids Cook-Off.

San Antonio

GodstockSA
Location: Rosedale Park at 303 Dartmouth
The sound of the cheering crowd will rise to the heavens at this free event as Christian groups from around the state praise the Lord with a variety of musical styles. A bikers show will rev up the engines of teens in attendance, as will a motivational speaker, dance troupes and a demonstration of martial arts skills.

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza
Location: Municipal Auditorium at 100 Auditorium Circle
Over 1,000 performers are fine tuning their guitarrones and vihuelas for an eight day homage to the music of Mexico. A mariachi mass at Mission San Jose marks the beginning of the event, and on November 30th the image of men in charro suits will reflect on the water at the Riverwalk Mall lagoon during an evening concert. Music lovers can cheer for the next generation of mariachis as groups from elementary and secondary schools as well as university students vie for prizes in a competion held at Municipal Auditorium on December 1st and 2nd, just before Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan take to the stage. On December 3rd another mariachi mass, this time held at Sacred Heart Chapel, will bring an end to the festivities.

Whitehouse

Mud Creek Music Festival
Location: 710 Hwy. 110 S.
The grounds where knights and ladies fair annually revel during the Four Winds Renaissance Fair becomes a gathering place for an array of folk artists at this one day event. Enjoy a moment in the spotlight at the open mic and campfire pickin' circle on November 3rd.