SRS2015, Finals
NOTE: This reporter was happy to get to hear and photograph three bands, and listened to the Darrell Goldman Band on KHYI while making the trip to Love & War in Texas, Plano. I offer apologizes for not taking photos of Darrel Goldman and his guys. This reporter had an important family event to attend, and didn’t expect to be able to attend at all.
Another year of Shiner Rising Star is on the books now. Congratulatory handshakes, hugs, and happiness filled Love & War in Texas Thursday night (11.12.15) when co-sponsoring radio station KHYI manager Joshua Jones announced that The Big Joe Walker band was the top-prize winner.
Big Joe and his band battled — and it was a tough battle all the way for the 10 judges who had
to make the final decision — The Matt Nix Band, who came in a close second; Whiskey Prophets, third place; and Darrell Goldman Band, fourth place.
The Big Joe Walker band won a recording contract with Shiner Records, in affiliation with co-sponsor Shiner Beer, a spot in the 2016 Texas Music Revolution festival, and other major career-enhancing prizes.
This being the 11th year for Shiner Rising Star, the complete list of winners is:
2015 — Big Joe Walker
2014 — Buffalo Ruckus
2013 — Green Light Pistol
2012 — The Bigsbys
2011 — Blackbird Sing
2010 — The Will Callers
2009 — Grant Jones & The Pistol Grip Lassos
2008 — Somebody’s Darling
2007 — Trailer Park Junkies
2006 — Miles From Nowhere
2005 — Lost Immigrants
2004 — Darryl Lee Rush
In a bit of irony, the past three winners — Big Joe Walker, Buffalo Ruckus, and Green Light Pistol — also were the winners of the White Elephant Saloon Battle of the Bands in each of their respective years.
Watch KHYI’s Website, some time after the March 2016 Texas Music Revolution, for the announcement that entries will be accepted for the 2016 Shiner Rising Star contest.
Category: *- Features, 2015, Love & War in Texas