Texas Music Events
October

From the melodic musings of an acoustic folk artist to the feel good beat of zydeco, the Lone Star state is alive with the sound of music this October. Following is a selection of music festivals that will have you whistling a happy tune all month long.

Austin

Biscuitfest 2
Where: Emo's at 603 Red River Street
The Live Music Capital of The World commemorates the life of one of the leading proponents of punk, the late Randall J "Mr. Biscuit" Turner, with scheduled performances by D-Day, Standing Waves, 20-Eyed Dragon and a Biscuit Tribute Band. Fans of The Big Boys frontman and founder of Esther's Follies can sink their teeth into award-winning barbecue prepared by Control Rat "X" before relaying their memories of Biscuit on film in a confessional booth, the results of which will appear in an upcoming documentary.

Belleville

Spring Creek Bluegrass Club Festival
Where: Coushatte Recreational Ranch
Future Bill Monroes will be fine tuning their mandolins and banjos as they get ready to perform bluegrass and gospel standards on stage at the Coushatte Recreational Ranch, which also offers monthly bluegrass shows every fourth Saturday from January through September.

Brownsville

Annual Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival
Where: Jacob Brown Auditorium, Las Campanas Shopping Center and the Capitol Theatre
On Thursday night, a free jazz jam in the parking lot of the Las Campanas Shopping Center kicks off four days of festivities. Catch Friday Night Fever during Latin Dance Night at the Jacob Brown Auditorium, where performers from Texas and Mexico compete to see who dominates on the dance floor. On Saturday, spend a Night At The Copa with Larry Harlow and The Latin Legends Band, then wind up the weekend with a free performance from Yerba Buena outside of the Capitol Theatre.

Corpus Christi

Texas Jazz Festival
Where: Corpus Christi Heritage Park
From smooth grooves to hot improvisational riffs, the many moods of jazz are celebrated in a free three-day event which includes a musician workshop.

Dallas

Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride and Concert
Where: Cowboys in Arlington
Held two days before what would have been the guitar great's 52nd birthday, Dallas pays tribute to its pride and joy with a motorcycle parade that begins at 9 A.M. at Hooters (2201 N. Lamar St.) and winds through the streets of The Big D, culminating in a day-long blues bash at Cowboys in Arlington (Hwy. 360 and Abram St.) featuring the Jeff Healey Blues Band and Omar and The Howlers. SRV enthusiasts 21 and over can keep the party going after hours with an All Star Jam at Deep Ellum Blues (2612 Main St.).

Frisco

Frisco Bluegrass Festival
Where: 9200 World Cup Way
Bluegrass buffs can get in the mood with a jam session in the parking lot and the Verizon Wireless Club before enjoying the high lonesome sound of multi-Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and a multitude of music makers on hand to pay a harmonious homage to the American-born art form on the stage at Pizza Hut Park. Children under 12 are admitted free to this one day event, which benefits the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Patient Assistance Fund.

Glen Rose

Tommy Alverson's Family Gathering L.L.C.
Where: Tres Rios River Ranch
A Texas-born honky tonk hero, songsmith Tommy Alverson is throwing his ninth consecutive celebration of the Lone Star music scene with performances by Rusty Wier and Steven Fromholz, among others.

Gruene

Gruene Music and Wine Fest
Where: Gruene Music Hall and The Grapevine
Three days of festivities begin with an evening of elegance at the oldest dance hall in the state as Texas troubadour regales the audience with tales and ballads while ticket holders dine on delicacies catered by the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar and bid on a series on items in a silent auction. Sample wine produced by Texas vines the following day at The Grapevine, where Roger Wallace and Bret Graham will take the stage, then tap your feet to the beat as Leon Russell performs an evening concert held at Gruene Hall. Begin The Lord's Day at a Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, with a buffet and music by The Bells of Joy, Bret Graham and Selina Affram, followed by a full day of All-American melodies at the Texas Musicfest.

Houston

Ziegenbock Music Festival
Where: Ziegenbock Field at Sam Houston Race Park
Spread a blanket on the 70-acre grounds of Sam Houston Race Park and enjoy a day of Texas tunes at this free event.

Pampa

Pampa's Tribute To Woody Guthrie
Where: Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center
A harmonious blend of acoustic instruments will echo at the old Harris Drug Store where the iconic, Lone Star-raised songsmith once worked in a jam session that kicks off two days of festivities. Visitors can enjoy performances at the Woody Guthrie Inn, an outdoor BBQ supper, a concert by The Wanderers and designated areas for impromptu musical interludes. Port Aransas
South Texas Music Festival and Chili Cook Off
When: October 7
Where: Sharkey's Beach Club
Licks from a bevy of bands will be as scorching hot as the chili prepared during the CASI sanctioned chili cook-off and BBQ cook-off. Festivities begin at noon and last throughout the day.

San Antonio

International Accordion Festival
Where: La Villita
Whet your appetite for accordion music with a smorgasbord of styles ranging from conjunto to zydeco during three days of fun on the Riverwalk. Performances are held on three stages, and audience members with dreams of becoming the next Myron Floren can hone their skills at a musical workshop and entertain at an open mic. Admission free for Saturday and Sunday events.

The San Antonio International Piano Competition
Where: Trinity University
Every three years, budding Beethovens between the ages of 20-32 take to the stage at Ruth Taylor Concert Hall to tickle the ivories. This event is free to the public.