Shiner Rising Star, KHYI, begins again, 2012

Mary Jane Farmer | July 22, 2012

Joshua Jones with Shiner Rising Star band members at orientation

Let me talk a bit here. I’ve been radio station KHYI (95.3 The Range)’s photographer for several years now, and it is such an honor. One of the perks is getting to hear so many new bands as they compete each year in Shiner Rising Star, the contest sponsored by KHYI, Shiner Records, and Shiner Beer. Thanks, KHYI! — Mary Jane

It’s on, the battle for a CD recording contract and several other career-building prizes known each year as Shiner Rising Star.

The yearly competition is provided by Dallas-based radio station KHYI, 95.3, Shiner Beer, and Shiner Records.

Thursday night (July 19) was orientation night, with all 24 selected bands represented at the gathering, Love & War in Texas, Plano. KHYI general manager Joshua Jones explained the rules and requirements, and introduced so many in the crowd who were also involved, saying that Lisa Hooks, also with KHYI is the lead contact for each of them.

The contest consists of 24 bands beginning, with three of them meeting each other each week of Round 1, with 30 minutes on stage. Judges will select one each night, or eight bands, to go into Round 2. That round has two bands competing against one another in 45-minute sets. Four of those move into the 3^rd, or final round, with each again having 30 minutes to impress upon the judges that they should take home the prizes.

One of the finalists, Concrete Hillbilly, dropped out because one of its members had been recently injured and they weren’t quite sure when he would be available again for performance So, Lisa Hooks will be inviting the band which placed 25^th, out of the approximate 125 who applied, to get into the contest, into the schedule.

ROUND 1

This upcoming Thursday (July 26) is the first night of competition, with the Matt Ingram Band, New Old West, and the unnamed replacement (TBA) band kicking off the contest, this will be at Love & War in Texas, Plano, and music begins at 8 p.m.

The schedule after that, for Round 1, is:

Aug. 2 — Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Dallas: Parallel Play, The Twisted Pistols, and Jackson Eli;

Aug. 9 — Love & War in Texas, Grapevine: Blacktop Outlaws, Rev. Leon & The Repenters, and Rhythm ’n Roses;

Aug. 16 — Hat Tricks, Lewisville: Jeremy Powers Band, Joey Caruthers & Lord North Band, and Kerry Davis Jr. Band;

Aug. 23 — Hard Rock, Dallas: Matt Nix Band, Shotgun Jimmys, and Fishing with Dynamite;

Aug. 30 — Club Dada/or City Tavern, downtown Dallas: 121 North, Stone Rosevelt, and American Jenny;

Sept. 6 — Southern Junction, Rockwall: Andrew Wade Band, Manny & the Gringoderos, and Tim Platt & All That Is Beautiful;

Sept. 13 — Place TBD: The Bigsbys, Mark Shelton & The Greater Good; and Adrian Johnston;

Sept. 20 — Place TBD: Wild card round

Sept. 27 — Bye week, no competition’

ROUND 2

Oct. 4 — Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Dallas

Oct. 11 — Hard Rock, Dallas

Oct. 18 — Place TBD

Oct. 25 — Bye week, no competition

FINAL ROUND

Nov. 1 — Love & War in Texas, Plano

Remember: This schedule is NOT set in stone, as bands are permitted to exchange nights with one another, provided they clear it through KHYI ahead of time. Confirm the schedule, including location, before heading out to the Metroplex in support of your favorite musicians. www.KHYI.com