Groesbeck Heritage Festival to feature local bands

Our musical heritage is all around us. Bob Wills of Kosse introduced and made “western swing” famous. Cindy Walker, a prolific songwriter for major artists, was born near Mart and made Mexia her home. Les Baxter, a prominent composer, and director of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, was born in Mexia. Blind Lemon Jefferson, born in Freestone County, performed throughout the area and became nationally known. One of his songs was about Groesbeck. Karl Shiflet, a Groesbeck native deeply rooted in bluegrass music blends country, western swing and honky-tonk to create his unique sound. He still calls Groesbeck “home.”

In this tradition, the Heritage Festival has invited well-known and popular bands from the area to provide musical entertainment for its 150th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 29.

“Pushwater” of Jewett – 2-4 p.m.

A full-time touring-country-Americana-roots band performs more than 200 shows a year and has been a perennial nominee for Texas Music Awards. This family band features two brothers, a father, and a cousin – Jesse Duke, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; Eddie Dean Duke, lead guitar, backing vocals, ukulele, and banjo; John Edward Sunkes, backup vocals, percussion and mandolin; Jerry L. Duke, bass guitar and backing vocals.

“Knot Today” of Groesbeck – 5-7 p.m.

With a variety of styles including classic rock and blues, plus a little country, Knot Today has performed at the Wortham Blues Festival and other venues in the Central Texas Area. Formed in 2016, with Bob Bosch on drums and Dan Mills on lead guitar, they have been joined by Michelle Henderson on bass and vocals and Lamar Evans on rhythm guitar.

Touring with Billy Joe Shaver for 5 years, Diamondback TX has played country music and a bit of 1980s rock throughout the United States. Fan-favorite original music includes “House on the Hill” and “Pan American Mule”. Willie Herring is on lead guitar and lead vocals; Scott Thornton, bass and backup vocals; Will Carter, lead guitar, steel, fiddle, vocals; Kacy Perry, drums.

This lineup features a variety of music for all and highlights local talent. Lawn chairs are suggested for avid music fans. The one-hour intermission between bands allows the opportunity to enjoy the many other activities and events of the festival – parade, carnival, Memorial Day ceremony, Fort Hood Mounted Calvary, Texas Ranger Exhibit, artisans, performers, vendor and local attraction booths, children’s games, other entertainment, and the National Championship Ranch Sorting.

For more information on the Groesbeck Heritage Festival, watch for future articles, signs, and promotions, or contact the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce.