Category Archives: *- Features

Texas’ Blake Burrow’s New Song Available for Download

Press Release from Jeremy Westby, 2911 Media

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Native Texas singer-songwriter Blake Burrow returns with a beautifully crafted mid-tempo ballad, “Don’t Blame It On The Bar,” perfect for the honky tonk dance floor. Burrow bemoans the barfly’s life and recent lost love, but insists that the hearer shouldn’t ‘blame it on the bar.’

  • Don’t blame it on the one serving up the drinks
  • Don’t get it twisted because they mixed it
  • That Coke with some Tennessee whiskey
  • Blame it on my pride, my stubborn mind, my broken heart
  • But don’t blame it on the bar

“I’m excited to release ‘Don’t Blame It On The Bar’ as my first single off the upcoming record,” Burrow shares. “My buddy Joey Green and I created the song based on true events at a Nashville bar. We went home and turned around and wrote it the next day. The vibe and meaning of the song can hit audiences all over the world. It is one of those songs everyone can sing along with when it hits the chorus. It’s a catchy tune.”

Blake penned the song with co-writers Joey Green, Grayson Green, and Brady Irby. The song was recorded at East Iris Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Dan Frizell (Highwaymen, Lee Brice, Craig Morgan, Chris Janson, David Ball and many others) Musicians on the recording include A-list Music Row studio stalwarts Miles McPherson (Drums), Mark Hill (Bass), John Willis (Acoustic), Rob McNelly (Electric Guitar), David Dorn (Keyboards), and Mike Johnson (Steel Guitar). Lead vocals: Blake Burrow. Backing vocals: Joey Green.

Don’t Blame It On The Bar” was premiered on Friday, September 29, by The Hollywood Times and is available to stream/download HERE.

Blake Burrow is a talented country singer from the small Panhandle Texas town of Tulia, Born and raised in Texas, Blake’s love for music started at a young age and grew with him as he got older. While pursuing his education at Wayland Baptist University, he discovered his passion for playing the guitar.

After moving to Texas Tech, Blake started writing music and performing at various venues in the area. He played his first show at The Blue Light Live in Lubbock and quickly gained a regional following. In 2016, Blake recorded his first album, “Cotton on Concrete,” which showcased his unique sound and songwriting ability.

Since then, Blake has made a name for himself in the greater Texas country music scene. He has opened for well-known artists including Reckless Kelly, Stoney LaRue, Mike Ryan, and Dennis Quaid. Burrow has also had the honor of performing the national anthem at the Red Bull Cliff Diving event.

Blake’s music reflects his strong Texas roots, blending traditional country and rock influences. His lyrics are honest and heartfelt, often drawing from personal experiences and the world around him. Burrow released his latest single, “Don’t Blame It On The Bar,” on September 29, 2023. His upcoming album, ‘Faded,‘ is set to be released in the fall of 2023. He is sure to continue making a name for himself in the country music community.

Dana Hubbard Coming to Harmony House

Dana Hubbard

Press Release

Coming on Sunday, September 24th, 5-7 pm
D A N A . H U B B A R D !!!
What Dana does with the guitar, using only his hands is amazing to watch and a joy to listen to. You hear the bass and the backbeat rhythm along with the melody and chords. If you look around for his backup guitar, you won’t find one.
Dana Hubbard combines the socially conscious singer/songwriter with the master acoustic blues guitarist, awing people with guitar skills that defy the ear and eye. On his third CD, “The Grounds Keepers,” each track is a single guitar performance with no overdubs, no re-takes. What you hear is a singer/songwriter front and center, addressing issues of environmentalism and social injustice in a voice that sometimes growls, sometimes lilts or laughs, but he’s always got a little twinkle in his eye. He has a social activist soul with a bluesman’s grin. The list of folks he’s opened for and shared the bill with span the spectrum from blues to folk to bluegrass: Buddy Guy, Chris Isaak, Jesse Winchester, Sam Bush, David Wilcox, Greg Allman, Etta James, Little Feat, Robert Cray, Albert King, Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Ely, John Hammond, David Lindley. To hear/see videos of Dana’s work, visit his website, www.danahubbard.com. To hear selections from his newest CD, “Crazy Contradiction”, come to the concert!
Comments about Dana froma  previous house concert host:
“His interaction with the audience was so present, so involving. His songs and songwriting were varied in style and held the interest of the audience throughout the performance. And so many of our guests commented that they were completely mesmerized by watching his playing skills.”
“Members of our audience said, ‘Best show yet!’ Dana definitely knows that his business is to entertain. His show was a two-way conversation. Our audience sang along, shouted, hollered, made suggestions, stomped, rocked, and came away wanting more!”
Call 903-583-2661 for reservations. [Seating is limited, so no shows are a no-no; please call in advance to cancel.]
Concert is $25 per person donation – cash or check payable to Dana Hubbard at the reservation table.
• Enjoy coffee, tea, punch, and cheeses at intermission ($1 suggested donation).
• Guests are requested to bring a finger food to share.
• All artists have been fully vaccinated and boosted. If you choose to wear a mask, please do so — we’ll even provide one for you, if need be.
as (65 mi. NE of Dallas) near Ravenna. Ask for directions when you call for your reservation

Don’t Be Scammed!

This came to me (Mary Jane) today, and I thought it could be good information not only for the Greenville Municipal Auditorium’s patrons, but for any and all venues which offer your favorite musicians and bands. 

Check the URL…What is that? Please read below!

Greenville Municipal Auditorium

We are aware that there are websites out there claiming to have tickets for shows at the GMA. If you click on these sites, some will take your money and not give you a ticket. Others will purchase a ticket on our website and charge you MORE for the ticket.

Some sites are charging our patrons 2-3 times the face value of the ticket and there is nothing we can do to stop these sites from operating.

We DO NOT want our amazing patrons to be scammed or overpay for tickets. So please check the URL BEFORE you buy. ALWAYS go to showtimeatthegma.com to purchase your tickets. Then when you click to purchase your tickets, you’ll be safe from scammers or fake resale sites.

Check the URL in your browser bar and be sure you’ve gone to our site – showtimeatthegma.com before you buy. Once you’re on our site, you’re safe to purchase your tickets at the correct price.

We hope that this info helps you find your way to the right website and that no one else gets scammed or taken advantage of by these unscrupulous websites.

PLEASE check the venues’ links, then bookmark their websites and you’ll always be able to go back to the official website when you purchase your tickets.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Addiction or Other Health Care

Courtesy article and photo

From events and festivals to venues and news, Scene In Town shares what’s going on in your town. Read more informative articles today!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Addiction Health Care

The market for drug rehabilitation and other inpatient health treatment is huge, and not all programs are created equally. It’s important to know what you should look for in a solid program, especially regarding things like location, cost, and aftercare. It’s important to have a plan starting out. Scene In Town outlines some factors to consider while choosing a facility for a struggling loved one.

Rehab Centers and Program Types

There are many different kinds of programs for treatment of addiction in the United States. In some cases, rehab might be the right choice for you. There are many rehab facilities in Texas that offer programs ranging from group addiction therapy to residential treatment and detox. Some also offer financial assistance or can accept your health insurance. As you look for a rehab facility near you, make a point to check out its level of accreditation and types of care that are offered.

Determining the patient’s needs in advance can help you figure out which program is a good choice. For instance, if they have a job and won’t be able to leave it for an extended period of time, an outpatient program might be effective and financially viable. However, if circumstances dictate a more immersive experience, then inpatient care might be a better choice. Nothing is perfect, so look for a good fit, rather than an ideal.

Physician and Other Specialist Experience and Education

As you research various facilities, look up the physicians involved and see what their experience and educational background entails.  If you’ll be working with other skilled professionals, also be sure to research them. Social workers, for example, may be on staff to work with patients on things like coping skills for stressful everyday situations. The social workers assisting your loved one should have gotten their Master’s of Social Work degree from an accredited university.

Location

Location is important. Some might prefer a facility that is conveniently located. On the other hand, some people would rather go to a place disconnected from their current life so they can avoid triggers. Location can impact how comfortable your loved one feels, which will impact their recovery and willingness, so look at what options are available.

Length

Research on the different factors that influence treatment program efficacy indicates that the longer a substance abuse treatment  program is administered, the greater the chances of successful treatment. Treatment that lasts for a minimum of three months is far more effective than short-term treatment.  Any type of recovery is a journey, and there are no shortcuts. It might be in your loved one’s best interest to choose a longer treatment program.

Cost

CNBC reports that the costs of mental health treatment can be extremely high, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars. There are free 12-step programs available, which can be effective in treating addiction. Insurance may also help cover costs. Given that any type of inpatient treatment can be very expensive, see what your options are regarding finances, especially insurance and financial aid that might be available. You can also find loans that specialize in addiction or other mental health treatment.

Specialized Treatment

As you are looking at different programs, look for a program outline that provides information about the different elements an effective treatment program should include. This can be anything from diagnosis to therapy to aftercare. You can ask questions about what their programs include and see if they seem to be a good fit.

If your loved one is dealing with both mental illness and addiction, you will need to look for rehab facilities that specialize in dual diagnoses and have a psychiatric staff. They will be far more effective since most rehabs do not specialize in dual diagnosis.

Aftercare

Aftercare is just as important as the initial inpatient treatment since it helps people move forward, even if they relapse. People can be vulnerable right after they are discharged, especially if they were in a location that is far away from home. They might come home and fall into old habits. Research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence has shown that the recovery rate is significantly better if programs administer care after discharge from treatment or connect individuals with local community resources.

Before your loved one is released from inpatient treatment, make the home a pleasant, low stress place to relax and rejuvenate by removing clutter. The mental health benefits of a clean, well organized space can be important.

There are many options and treatments available for mental health issues. Identify what needs your loved one has, assess his/her financial situation, and try to find a rehab facility that meets his/her needs. It can be done, even if it takes some extra effort to get there.

“Pack Up” Makes the Possibilities Probable.

Joe Purdy at Woody Fest

Texas Nexus / Story and photos by Mary Jane Farmer

It’s a 3-column list I have worked up — “PACK UP” it’s called. It’s what I have to reference and cling to when getting ready to go to all the music festivals in my life. And there’s a bunch!

Me and Hippie Van head out. She has clean oil, and a clean floor every time. Ready for the road. Of course, she’s packed to the hilt. And for that, I need “Pack Up.”

Clothing:  Lots of bandanas (after all, it gets hot at most of those festivals), but a jacket for those chillier nights. Shoes, boots, rain boots, and of course a boot jack. Heavy shoes and boots, not those flimsy rubber thongs. I wore a pair of leather sandals to one of my first Kerrville Fests, they broke, and it was producer Rod Kennedy who — not so gently — chided me for even thinking those were good on that rocky terrain. At WoodyFest, I (and the other 4 photographers) have to go back and forth between four daytime stages, a couple of churches and nursing homes, and so hard-core walking boots are best there. And believe me, I’ve put the rain boots — we used to call them galoshes — to use many times.

Mary Jane at LJT Festival

And then there’s the camera equipment —  a monopod, a tripod, chargers, extra SD cards, extra batteries, extra camera, plenty of lenses — in fact, all I own. And of course I need my computer to upload those photos and get some of them worked in time to share them while the event is still going on. Again, charge cord, extra batteries for the mouse and keyboard, flash drives, external hard drive. And to tote all that, I have a luggage pull-along. Beyond that, I have to rely on the kindness of strangers to carry my lawn chair.

Essential is my large towel, clearly marked “Photog” with neon yellow duck tape, just in case there’s any question that’s what I do, and it is placed to reserve the best photo vantage-point seat in the house for me. And nowadays I check out a portable Wi-Fi connection from the local library. And there’s a definite need for showers (and I do NOT use that special towel). In lieu of them, I always pack a package of wipes.

Kerrville Folk Festival

Lots of energy powders and liquids. And for food, I take anything I can put in a bowl and cover with milk or slather cream cheese onto. Not about to spend time cooking! There’s too many photos that need to be taken! And I can’t forget my “Show-Off Album” of photos I’ve taken over the years.

After all that, plus clothing, more groceries, meds, and vitamins — really, there is still room for me in Hippie Van.