Largest Live Texas Country Music Event in San Angelo Since 2009 Happens Saturday

It's been a long time overdue, but get ready San Angeloans, this Saturday, June 4, four Texas country music/Red Dirt Artists/Bands are coming to the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial RiverStage for the first ever "Riverstage Throwdown." Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. It will run until midnight.   

The Judson Cole Band will kick things off, followed by Zane Williams and William Clark Green. Rounding out the evening will be the most anticipated headliner, Cody Johnson.

Hardcore Cody Johnson fans know every word and note to his hits "Me and My Kind" (2014) and "Cowboy Like Me" (2015). Both debuted at number one on the Texas Music Chart and Texas Regional Radio Reports respectively. Johnson's new record, "Gotta Be Me," will be coming out August 5. Per his website, "the iTunes pre-order started on May 27th," and, as an added bonus, fans who do pre-order can "get three songs instantly."

Me and My Kind:

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Johnson is originally from a small east Texas town where his father played drums in the church; he followed suit. Next, Johnson learned the guitar, began songwriting and formed a band of his own. They played the Honky Tonks on the weekends. In his earlier years, not only was Johnson a dedicated member of the FFA, but he also attended college, accumulated a variety of injuries breaking bulls in the rodeo scene, and even worked a stint in a law enforcement job (to pay the bills). Many of his life experiences are reflected in his song lyrics which epitomizes Texas country music. Additionally, he has also worked with some of Nashville’s best songwriters, including David Lee, Terry McBride, and Dan Couch.

Cody Johnson performs "Cowboy Like Me" with interview:

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“I’m a God-fearin’, hard-workin’, beer-drinkin’, fightin’, lovin’ cowboy from Texas--that’s about it,” he said. A special message to his followers reads: "I wanted you to know that this wouldn’t be happening without all of your love and support for my music and me. Knowing that y’all believe in it as much as I do makes all the difference in the world. This new album is dedicated to CoJo Nation, and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it. Y’all are family. —Cody"

As for the three opening acts, William Clark Green, Zane Williams,  and The Judson Cole Band, these guys also have some pretty notable accomplishments on their resumes. 

William Clark Green brings his version of "Americana/Roots Rock" to the stage, and engages in lyrical storytelling "pulled from true life experiences." Regarding his lyrics, Green has been quoted as saying, "It's not about writing a hit; it's about revealing your heart and your feelings on the paper.” 

Clark's songs often tell a tale with some truth in them. Take for example "Rose Queen," a breakup song about a country boy who fell in love with a Tyler, Texas debutante. They were together until the girl went off to college and got "sororitized" by an all-girls' sorority. Then much to her parents' liking, she won't have anything to do with the plain 'ol country boy. Green also writes songs with history.

Rose Queen:

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"Ringling Road" off his latest record with the same name is a tale about when the circus train stopped for a rest near Eastland in the early 1900s, just north of here.  

The official "Ringling Road" video:

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According to his Facebook page, with over 15 years of performing under his belt, native Abilenean Zane Williams has received consistent radio airplay on country stations across Texas that led to his first entry on the Texas Music Chart with “Ride With Me,” from the 2011 album with the same title. Williams is also one of the featured artists on Troubadour Texas, (a television show) documenting his rising career.

Zane Williams, "Ride with Me":

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As for the final of the four, The Judson Cole Band started in 2012 at Blaine's Pub in their hometown of San Angelo. Some of their hits include "Call Me Back Home, Time To Run," and "Goodbye Dallas." They have several dates booked throughout the great state of Texas, and southern states, for the next few months, having recently played in New Mexico. Fan feedback ranges from "Awesome," and "You guys rocked last night," to requests to play in other towns not listed on their itinerary.

Judson Cole Band, "Goodbye Dallas" (acoustic):

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There's a symbolic synchronicity between Texas and Country music, and this Saturday, in the heart of the city, all are encouraged to come out and support these performers. Beverage and food vendors will be on site as well as merchant booths selling t-shirts and various other souvenirs pertaining to the individual artists. Folding chairs and blankets will be allowed on the lawn area and no outside coolers will be permitted.  

Event tickets are available online at Roadhouse Tickets, at Cody Johnson's official website, and locally at Blaine's Pub and Mr. Boots in the Village Shopping Center. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Also, a limited quantity of VIP Tickets are available at Blaine's Pub, and are $60 each. These include access to the Blaine's Pub tent, a BBQ dinner, and a Blaine's Pub koozie.

General admission tickets are $20 each (in advance, and $25 at the event). All ages are allowed at the event.